LEESBURG — Pie-Eyed Petey’s hosted their 8th Annual Polar Bear Plunge Saturday,  Jan. 21.

The event is held each year to raise money and collect nonperishable food items for the food pantries in North Webster and Syracuse.

Spectators and participants began arriving when the doors opened at 10 a.m.  Biscuits and gravy, pizza and chili were available. At noon, participants were able to register and sign waivers.

The unseasonably warm weather was enjoyed by all, with mostly sunny skies and temps in the 50’s the majority of the day.

At 1 p.m. the large group of plungers, many wearing costumes, gathered around and began entering the icy waters of Lake Tippecanoe. The water temperature was reported as 33 degrees. A total of 154 participants entered the water this year.

Emergency personnel were onsite, and professional dive crew members were in the water to keep participants safe.