The Polar Fest Plunge is a fun-filled winter tradition where courageous plungers raise pledges in support of Boys & Girls Club of Detroit Lakes, then take a daring jump into an icy lake.
Club Location: Detroit Lakes, Minnesota
Contact: development@dlclub.org
Save the Date - February 22, 2027
Take the Plunge or Make a Pledge link is coming soon!
Last year's Polar Fest Plunge
raised $84,000 to make this possible!
Awarded
in Scholarships
Youth
Served
Meals & Snacks
Served
Academic Success Participants
Healthy Lifestyle Participants
Key Details for Polar Fest Plunge – Detroit Lakes
Why It Matters
When young people have a safe place to go, caring adults who believe in them, healthy meals, and opportunities to learn and grow, they gain the confidence and skills to reach their full potential. Your involvement in Big Buck Bash makes that possible every day.
What to Expect
- An unforgettable way to invest in local youth
- Local teams, special guests & INCREDIBLE energy from the crowd
- Competitive teams looking to take on the title of Chillanthropy Champions
- Awesome swag and quirky costumes
Your Impact
When you take the plunge or make a pledge for the Polar Fest Plunge, you’re doing more than just Chillin’ for the Children – every splash helps provide local youth with safe places, caring mentors, and life-changing opportunities.
Donations/Match
Thank you to Bell Bank for their continued commitment to Chillin’ for the Children!
Location of event
Detroit Lakes City Beach
History of the Event
The Polar Fest Plunge is a Detroit Lakes tradition, celebrating its 30th year in 2026! This event brings together friends, neighbors, and local supporters to take the plunge for a great cause — helping create brighter futures for youth in the Detroit Lakes community. Don’t miss this unforgettable celebration of community, courage, and cold water — all for a great cause!
Order/timeline of event
- 12:00 PM – Pre-plunge entertainment begins at the Detroit Lakes City Beach
- 12:30 PM – Warming tent opens for plungers
- 1:00 PM – Chillin’ for the Children begins!
- 2:00 PM – Warm up and enjoy some good eats, treats and shopping at local businesses
Where Do the Funds Go?
100% of net proceeds directly support Boys & Girls Club of Detroit Lakes programs and the caring, highly trained staff who mentor youth every day. Together, they help children build confidence, strengthen academic and social skills, develop leadership, and gain the tools they need to succeed for a lifetime.
2026 Event Gallery
Click on each photo to view the entire image.
Special guests over the years include: Josh Duhamel, Cboys TV, Dude Dad, That Midwestern Mom, Tigirlily Gold, Ben Ellefson of the MN Vikings, NDSU Bison Football Team & many others!
See That Midwestern Mom and Dude Dad at Polar Fest Plunge 2026 here: That Midwestern Mom Facebook Reel
