STEVENS POINT (WAOW) -
Dozens of people in Stevens Point braved the cold temperatures for the annual polar plunge. This year, the event definitely lived up to its name.
For Michael Mallek and his family the polar plunge is an annual tradition.
"It represents a special bond between us and how we can all meet up and do this together," Mallek said.
It all started three years ago.
"We thought, lets go do something wild."
And not only did they want wild, they wanted to do it in a bold way.
"We wore cookie monster shirts and shorts with 1980's sunglasses," Mallek explained.
And this year, the group decided to take it one step farther.
"We all had our morph suits and we thought it be nice and unique," Mallek said. The others agreed.
Dozens of other people joined in the fun, testing the icy waters at Rusty's Back Water Saloon in Stevens Point. And costume or not, the shock of the single digit temperatures was enough to make anyone scream.
In fact, it was so cold, extra emergency crews were on scene.
"Volunteers come out here on their own to help out," Rudolph Firefighter and EMT said. "It's just for the safety and well being of everyone."
But for the Malleks', the day wasn't about the cold, it was about the experience as a family. Now, there's nothing left to do but plan their outfits for next year.
"Bigger and bolder!"
