Gates County Special Olympics and Project Unify will hold the fourth annual Polar Plunge Jan. 31 at Beaver Lake in Eure, N.C., home of the Beaver Lake Ski Club.

The event begins at 10 a.m. with registration through noon. Opening ceremonies begin at 11:30 a.m., and the Plunge itself will take place at 12:30 p.m.

Along with the Polar Plunge, a chili cook off will be held, as well. After the opening ceremonies, the chili contest winners and the winners for the plunge’s best team themes will be announced.

Other concessions will be sold on site. Anyone can plunge for a minimum donation of $35. Those taking the plunge will receive a free T-shirt, a bowl of chili or a hot dog and hot chocolate or coffee.

Chili contestants will need to donate 15 servings of their best chili recipe. Chili chefs will receive a T-shirt and a sampler ticket for the chili.

Teams are invited to participate in the plunge and can take the plunge together and dress up for the occasion. Traveling trophies will be awarded for best costume, best name and best presentation.

Team registration ranges from $300 to $500, depending on number of people on the team.

To register for the plunge or chili cook-off, for more information, or to volunteer, contact Barbara Toti by email at totibb@gatescountyschools.net or by phone at 252-357-0720 ext. 262 and leave a message.

Pre-register by Jan. 22 to be guaranteed a T-shirt on the day of the event. Extra T-shirts will be ordered as needed after the event for those who miss the pre-registration deadline.