The second annual Kincardine Polar Plunge is set to follow up on a great first year.
This event, which raises funds for Special Olympics, will take place on March 6, 2026, in the parking lot of UBC Local 2222.
While still new to Kincardine, these plunges have been happening across Ontario for years, with 35 events last year alone.
Haydon Armstrong has participated in the York Region Polar Plunge for many years and after relocating here, he noticed that Kincardine didn’t have one yet.
He mentioned that the first event in 2025 was quite successful.
“Last year, we had a fundraising goal of $5,000 and we were able to reach $6,000, which was great,” said Armstrong. “We had 17 plungers and a bunch of the local Special Olympic athletes came out too which was great.”
The event received support from his employer NPX Innovation, along with UBC Local 2222, Elliott Construction, and the South Bruce OPP. For 2026, he hopes to involve even more local businesses and encourage more participants to take the plunge.
“My vision for this is to make it a more engaging local event. You can come out and plunge if you want but also come out and be involved and support the plungers and just have fun,” said Armstrong. “I’ve upped the fundraising goal to $10,000 and we’re looking to get at least double our plunger count and more local engagement.”
The theme for the 2026 plunge is Superheroes and Villains. Costumes are highly encouraged although Armstrong jokingly noted that capes might not be very practical in freezing water.
While all funds raised will benefit Special Olympics Ontario, Armstrong pointed out that if more local athletes sign up as sponsors, a greater portion of donations will stay within the community.
“The majority of funds that the local event raises goes toward the organization as a whole,” he said. “However, the Special Olympics athletes that are raising funds; 75 percent of what they raise stays in the area. So the more Special Olympics athletes that sign up and raise money, the more that stays within our community.”
The Kincardine Polar Plunge is happening on March 6. You can register online beforehand or sign up in person at the event starting at 6 p. m. The plunges will kick off at 7 p. m. at 385 Queen Street.
To register or donate to other plungers or sponsor this event visit their website.
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