Every January, when most of Lewis County is bundled up indoors with hot coffee and good intentions, a different kind of warmth rises from the icy waters of Mayfield Lake — community spirit.
The annual Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics Washington returns on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, and once again the Lewis County Icicle Brigade is gearing up, drying off our towels and encouraging our neighbors to take the plunge with us.
This event is far more than a midwinter adrenaline rush to ring in the New Year. It represents the best of who we are as a community: supportive, generous, inclusive and willing to jump — literally — into action for a cause that strengthens lives.
So, why do we plunge?
Special Olympics Washington provides year-round sports, leadership training, health screenings and community engagement opportunities for thousands of athletes across Washington state. Many of those athletes live right here in Lewis County. For them, sports aren’t simply about competition; they are about belonging, confidence and opportunity.
Participating in the Polar Plunge is one of the most direct and meaningful ways we can ensure that these athletes continue to receive the support they need. Every splash at Mayfield Lake helps fund coaching, equipment, uniforms, transportation, and local programming.
In a rural county like ours — where resources can be stretched thin — this support is transformative.
While taking an icy dip in January may sound like a recent trend, the Special Olympics Polar Plunge has a long and spirited history. Special Olympics Washington first introduced the plunge more than two decades ago as a grassroots fundraiser built on fun, courage and community participation. Over the years, its popularity has soared, with thousands of plungers across the state braving freezing waters for a mission far bigger than themselves.
The movement itself draws inspiration from the Special Olympics legacy, which began nationally in 1968 under Eunice Kennedy Shriver’s leadership. Washington state embraced the vision early on, with athletes, volunteers and families building a strong local network that continues to thrive today. The Polar Plunge has become one of the most recognized and celebrated fundraisers supporting that mission.
Lewis County joined the effort with enthusiasm, and the Mayfield Lake Plunge has grown into one of the most spirited events in Southwest Washington. And amazing supporters like Tom Alderson at Awards West have helped us personalize and promote our local plunge. Teams frequently dress in costumes, compete for fundraising titles and celebrate the athletes who inspire the entire event.
It’s cold, it’s wild, it’s memorable — and every minute matters.
When you join the Lewis County Icicle Brigade, you’re doing more than contributing to a statewide cause. You’re keeping your support right here in our own community. Local athletes benefit directly when local people get involved. That means the money raised in Lewis County stays in Lewis County — helping our neighbors, classmates, coworkers and friends.
By joining the Lewis County Icicle Brigade, you are:
• Supporting local Special Olympics athletes and their families
• Helping expand local programming, competitions, and training
• Building community pride and visibility for inclusion
• Strengthening a tradition that brings people together in positive, life-changing ways
We invite you to join us and join the Lewis County Icicle Brigade!
The 2026 Polar Plunge at Mayfield Lake at 10 a.m. Jan. 24 and is shaping up to be one of the biggest yet, and we want you there with us — costume optional, enthusiasm required. To join us and keep the investments local for our Lewis County athletes and families, visit https://impact.sowa.org/LC-PolarPlunge-26. Or, find one of our Icicle Brigade members and support their plunge.
The Icicle Brigade is open to plungers of all ages and experience levels. Our plunge has emergency medical personnel on site, as well as warming tents, trailers, and food, coffee, and more. Whether you jump all the way in, dip a toe, dress up as a team mascot, or simply cheer from the shoreline, your presence makes a difference.
Lewis County is known for its resilience, generosity, and willingness to show up for others. Supporting the Polar Plunge is an opportunity to demonstrate all of that while having a blast. You can make a difference in the community by visiting and supporting the plunge at https://impact.sowa.org/LC-PolarPlunge-26.
As we say every year before the plunge: “Cold Hands, Cold Feet, Warm Hearts!”
This January, join the Lewis County Icicle Brigade. Let’s continue the tradition, celebrate our athletes, and make a splash that truly matters. Together, we can keep the momentum — and the support — local, strong and full of heart.
Lewis County Icicle Brigade,
Peter Abbarno, Washington State Representative
Jason Baker, PacNW Photography
Jake Dickerson, Chehalis Tribal Police Department
Naomi Hursh, Centralia Police Department
Mathew McKnight, Chehalis Police Department
Brenda Padgett, Onalaska School District
Ruben Ramirez, Centralia Police Department (Ret.)
Chris Rubin, Lewis County Sheriff’s Office
Sara Sons, Lewis County Public Health and Social Services
Chris Sweet, Lewis County Sheriff’s Office
