Chippewa Valley Polar Plunge Set for March 14 to Benefit Special Olympics Wisconsin

Chippewa Falls hosted the 2026 Chippewa Valley Polar Plunge on Saturday, March 14, drawing participants to Loopy's Grill & Saloon at 10691 Cty. Hwy. X for a cold-water fundraiser benefiting Special Olympics Wisconsin. Registration and check-in ran from the morning hours through 11:30 a.m., with plunging beginning at noon.

According to a Special Olympics Wisconsin press release, the Polar Plunge is the organization's largest annual grassroots fundraiser, with all funds raised going directly to Special Olympics Wisconsin. The event's promotional materials described it as a chance to "support thousands of athletes across Wisconsin," while the Chippewa County event listing cited support for over 1,400 athletes statewide.

Chippewa Valley was one of six in-person Polar Plunge locations across Wisconsin this year. The other sites included Fox Valley, Milwaukee, Madison, Wausau and La Crosse, putting the Loopy's event alongside a coordinated statewide effort to raise funds for athletes with intellectual disabilities.

Special Olympics Wisconsin noted on its event page that the organization was "proud to be back at Loopy's Grill & Saloon in Chippewa Falls for another unforgettable Polar Plunge." The event was publicly hosted by Special Olympics Wisconsin on Facebook, with Loopy's Grill and Saloon serving as the local organizer. Those seeking information about the venue or future events can reach the organizer at 715-579-2558 or loopdelori@gmail.com, or contact the venue directly at (715) 723-5667.

Jersey Mike's Subs also ran its 16th Annual March "Month of Giving" campaign in parallel, working to benefit Special Olympics Wisconsin during the same month as the plunge.

The Chippewa Falls Chamber of Commerce, located at 1 North Bridge Street, serves as an additional local contact for community event information and can be reached at 715-723-0331 or 1-888-723-0024 during regular business hours, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.