With our less than frigid temperatures this winter, the popular passtime of plunging into icy waters for charities seems less risky than it would in a normal winter.
Fortunately, or unfortunately for some, mother nature brought the big chill to the first annual eagle plunge in havana this weekend.
It's all part of the Eagle Days Festival organized by the Havana Park District to support eagles who live along the illinois river.
Saturday paramedics were on hand if someone were to show signs of hypothermia.
"First thing we want to do is warm them up. get them out of their wet clothes, get them dried off. and then we have several other things we can go to if the case calls for it," said Chris Troxell.
But until assistance is needed, paramedics have other things on their minds.
"I think they're crazy," he said. "So you're going to find me in about eighty degrees in that ambulance, so hopefully they don't call me out, but if they do we're ready to take care of them."
Before the big plunge into the Illinois River, kids ages 2 through 5 could step into a kiddie pool at the Havana nature center, down the road from the boat launch, where the main attraction was held.
Participants in the Eagle Plunge will be wading into the river in Havana, and with temperatures well below freezing, and it being one of the coldest days we've had this winter, some people had some unique ways of preparing for the plunge.
"I dressed up today, last time i just wore swimming trunks," said Mark Wheeler, who dressed like a pirate for the plunge.
Seventeen 'plungers' raising at least $50 each took to the icy waters of the Illinois river in their own unique way, and everyone had their own way of showing the support that they've gotten for the plunge.
David Summers of Springfield wrote the names of his sponsors all over his body.
"All these people pledged money for me to do this, it was just enough to make me jump in there and get a little wild," he said.
Despite the cold, the reason for the event was at the front of the minds of participants.
"This is the first time and i'm excited," said Lori Smith. "It's for a good cause, we need to get the publicity out there, and support our eagles."
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