Texarkana Polar Plunge at Big Dam Waterpark Jan. 31 Benefits Special Olympics

Texarkana will stage its annual Polar Plunge at Big Dam Waterpark on Saturday, January 31, inviting individuals and teams to take a chilly dip to support Special Olympics Arkansas. Registration opens at 9 AM with the plunge scheduled for 10 AM, and the minimum donation to participate is $50. The event theme is "It's Giving... GLACIAL!" and aims to blend community spirit with fundraising for athletes in Arkansas.

Organizers are calling on local residents to sign up on the Special Olympics Arkansas campaign page to reserve a spot and collect pledges. The Polar Plunge format is familiar to cold-water communities - participants raise money through individual or team fundraising and then enter the water together to mark the campaign. Local agency support will be on hand, with Arkansas State Police and the Texarkana Police Department listed as partners for the day.

For readers who follow ice bathing and cold-exposure events, this plunge offers several points of practical value. The set times - registration at 9 AM and plunge at 10 AM - make it easy to plan carpooling or team warm-up routines. The $50 minimum donation makes the entry barrier clear up front while leaving room for additional fundraising; many participants use social media or neighborhood networks to boost pay-in amounts before arrival. Since the event centers on both participation and fundraising, registering early helps teams coordinate and ensures pacing for and accountability of donors.

Community relevance extends beyond the thrill of a cold dip. Funds raised go to Special Olympics Arkansas, supporting year-round training, competitions, and inclusive programming for athletes across the state. The Polar Plunge provides a visible, grassroots way for local residents to contribute while engaging with neighbors, first responders, and civic groups. Presence from state and local police departments signals coordination on safety and traffic control, an important consideration for anyone driving to Big Dam Waterpark that morning.

If you plan to attend, register at the Special Olympics Arkansas campaign page and review any event updates there before arrival. Expect a brisk start time and a focus on fundraising as much as on the plunge itself. The Texarkana Polar Plunge is both an ice bath community tradition and a direct opportunity to support inclusive athletics - sign up, rally a team, and bring your fundraising game along with your cold-weather bravado.