Be a Polar Bear for the 2012 Branson Polar Plunge .

BRANSON, Mo. At 2 p.m. on February 11 some special people are going to be “Freezin’ for a Reason” as they plunge into the cold water of Table Rock Lake in the 7th Annual Branson Polar Plunge. The reason the participants, appropriately designated as “Plungers,” will be “freezin'” is to support the more than 1,700 athletes in the Southwest Area of the “Special Olympics of Missouri (SOMO).” The 2011 Branson Polar Plunge raised more than $30,000 for the Special Olympic Athletes. The goal for the 2012 is $34,000.

Branson’s Polar Plunge will be held at the marina of the Still Waters Resort, 21 Still Water Trail, just south of Silver Dollar City in Indian Point, Road . Registration starts at Noon and the Plunge itself is right after the “Plunger Parade of Costumes,” at 2 p.m. After the Plunge there will be “free food, music and a silent auction” at the Post Plunge Party that will be held at the Best Western Branson Inn and Conference Center in Branson West.

Stephanie Milton, Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center, one of the corporate sponsors of the event and herself a past “Plunger” said, “The event a great fund raiser for a great cause and is a lot of fun, not only for the ‘Plungers,’ but for those who come out to watch and support them.” She notes that there will be food and concession sales featuring food and warm “Plunge” clothing. One of the highlights will be the opportunity to see the costumes worn by some of the competing “Plungers” as groups and individuals compete for the coveted “Golden Plunger Award.”

Milton encourages everyone to come out and support the event and to donate what they can to support the “Special Olympics of Missouri” and its athletes. For further information on the Branson Polar Plunge or other Branson shows, and events please call Branson Tourism Center at 1-800-785-1550 or visit their web site wwwBransonTourismCenter.com.