Leaping for a cause: Bemidji Jaycees hold 17th annual Brrrmidji Plunge

022920.N.BP.PLUNGE--LEAD.jpg — Eric Callagan and Larissa Donovan jump into Lake Bemidji for the Bemidji Jaycees' Brrrmidji Plunge on Leap Day, Feb. 29. (Bria Barton | Bemidji Pioneer)

By Bria Barton

February 29, 2020 at 2:29 PM

BEMIDJI -- Some of the community's bravest took a leap for Leap Day when they jumped into the icy waters of Lake Bemidji for the Bemidji Jaycees' 17th annual Brrrmidji Plunge on Saturday.

Participants -- some dressed in an array of flamboyant costumes -- hopped into the 4-foot, 34-degree patch of lake for the purpose of giving back to the community.

Those who register for the plunge help to raise money that goes to a variety of local charities in the area. This year, proceeds will benefit the Boys and Girls Club of the Bemidji Area and the Bemidji Community Food Shelf.

1/14: Participants of the Bemidji Jaycees’ Brrrmidji Plunge jump into Lake Bemidji on Leap Day, Feb. 29. (Bria Barton | Bemidji Pioneer)

2/14: Members of the Dive Depot were on site to assist with the Bemidji Jaycees' Brrrmidji Plunge on Leap Day, Feb. 29. (Bria Barton | Bemidji Pioneer)

3/14: Participants of the Bemidji Jaycees’ Brrrmidji Plunge endure the cold in Lake Bemidji on Leap Day, Feb. 29. (Bria Barton | Bemidji Pioneer)

4/14: Participants of the Bemidji Jaycees’ Brrrmidji Plunge jump into Lake Bemidji on Leap Day, Feb. 29. (Bria Barton | Bemidji Pioneer)

5/14: Participants of the Bemidji Jaycees’ Brrrmidji Plunge jump into Lake Bemidji on Leap Day, Feb. 29. (Bria Barton | Bemidji Pioneer)

6/14: Participants of the Bemidji Jaycees’ Brrrmidji Plunge endure the cold in Lake Bemidji on Leap Day, Feb. 29. (Bria Barton | Bemidji Pioneer)

7/14: Participants of the Bemidji Jaycees’ Brrrmidji Plunge jump into Lake Bemidji on Leap Day, Feb. 29. (Bria Barton | Bemidji Pioneer)

8/14: Participants of the Bemidji Jaycees’ Brrrmidji Plunge endure the cold in Lake Bemidji on Leap Day, Feb. 29. (Bria Barton | Bemidji Pioneer)

9/14: A participant of the Bemidji Jaycees’ Brrrmidji Plunge jumps into Lake Bemidji on Leap Day, Feb. 29. (Bria Barton | Bemidji Pioneer)

10/14: Members of the Dive Depot were on site to assist with the Bemidji Jaycees' Brrrmidji Plunge on Leap Day, Feb. 29. (Bria Barton | Bemidji Pioneer)

11/14: Participants of the Bemidji Jaycees’ Brrrmidji Plunge jump into Lake Bemidji on Leap Day, Feb. 29. (Bria Barton | Bemidji Pioneer)

12/14: Participants of the Bemidji Jaycees’ Brrrmidji Plunge endure the cold in Lake Bemidji on Leap Day, Feb. 29. (Bria Barton | Bemidji Pioneer)

13/14: A participant of the Bemidji Jaycees’ Brrrmidji Plunge jumps into Lake Bemidji on Leap Day, Feb. 29. (Bria Barton | Bemidji Pioneer)

14/14: Members of the Bemidji Jaycees endure the cold of Lake Bemidji after participating in the Brrrmidji Plunge on Leap Day, Feb. 29. (Bria Barton | Bemidji Pioneer)

By Bria Barton

Bria Barton covers travel and tourism for Forum News Service and is based at the Bemidji Pioneer. A South Carolina native and USC grad, she can be found exploring Minnesota’s abundance of towns, food and culture. Follow her on Instagram @briabarton.