When the pandemic prevented Special Olympics Pennsylvania from holding its annual Polar Plunge, residents of Wrightsville took matters into their own hands. Thanks to a team effort, the first Wrightsville River Rat Plunge will take place on Saturday, March 6, at John Wright Restaurant, 234 N. Front St.

"I have participated in the Polar Plunge almost every year since it started in 2010," said Ed Klinedinst. "When I heard it wasn't happening this year, I put something out on the Wrightsville Facebook page to see if anyone was interested in doing a local one."

He said he was overwhelmed by the reaction to his question. "I thought I might get a group of my friends together to do our own plunge, but the response was huge," he remarked. "I was blown away by how many people wanted to participate."

While Special Olympics Pennsylvania is holding a modified event this year, asking participants to hold a "Burrr-tual Polar Pop Plunge" at home by popping a water balloon over their heads, Klinedinst wanted to try something more like the usual plunge into the Susquehanna River.

"I found out this is something people really look forward to every year," he said, noting that the Wrightsville River Rat Plunge will feature the same format as the typical Polar Plunge, with people plunging into the river's frigid water to raise money for Special Olympics.

Although the Wrightsville event will be a scaled-down version of previous plunges, it will still have all the spirit of the original, Klinedinst explained. "I'm not someone who organizes events, but I've been really blessed to have help from a lot of people," he stated, listing the staff at John Wright Restaurant among those who assisted.

Registration for the plunge will begin at 10 a.m., and the plunge will start at noon. The rain date for the event is Saturday, March 13. The deadline for preregistration is Wednesday, March 3, but walks-ins are also welcome on the day of the plunge. Participants who raise at least $20 will receive a T-shirt, and opportunities are available for company logos on shirts for groups reaching specific fundraising levels.

"We really wanted to do this to bring the community together," said Michele Eisenhauer, who is helping to organize the plunge. "This is a normally a huge fundraiser for Special Olympics, and we just wanted to be sure they are still getting money this year."

Klinedinst emphasized that while the event may look a little different this year, its mission remains the same. "It's a great way to give back to the community and help a great cause," he stated. "It's just a lot of fun."

For more information on the Wrightsville River Rat Plunge, readers may email WrightsvilleRiverRatPlunge@gmail.com or search for "Wrightsville River Rat Plunge" on Facebook.