Shiver in the Cedar on March 23

Individuals, teams challenged to test mettle in cold river

To The Press

Do you have what it takes to take the plunge?

The challenge has been issued by Community Revitalization in Charles City, which is once again hosting the Cedar River Shiver, this year beginning at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 23, at the Riverfront Boat Ramp.

Individuals and teams will have the chance to show their courage and creativity by taking a dip in the icy Cedar River and vying for awards for best costume (both individual and team).

Awards will also be presented for Oldest Plunger, Furthest Traveled Plunger and the True Blue Business Award for having the most participants representing a business.

The Shiver is put on by Community Revitalization along with Floyd County Search & Rescue, and serves as a fundraising event for both organizations.

It also serves as cold-water training for Search & Rescue personnel, who will be on hand to ensure the safety of the Shiver participants.

“We can’t do anything about winter in Iowa, so we might as well have some fun with it,” said Community Development Director Mark Wicks, who oversees the Community Revitalization program.

“The Shiver is all about having fun, as well as challenging yourself and others. We encourage businesses and clubs to challenge each other to participate for bragging rights.”

Plungers will receive a commemorative Shiver blanket for their efforts and be treated to free refreshments courtesy of The Bridge. Search & Rescue will also be providing heated changing trailers on site, one for men and one for women, so make sure to bring a towel and warm clothes to change into.

For those with an aversion to the cold there is a “chicken” option. Chickens will also receive a keepsake blanket and can stay warm and dry while sitting front row at the event in the “Chicken Coop.”

Participants in the Coop will help judge the participants for the Best Costume awards and have a chance to win a bucket of chicken from Dairy Queen or Hy-Vee.

Cost is $25 per person before March 20 or $35 per person after March 20. Registration forms are available at the Community Development Office at 401 North Main St., by emailing mark@charlescitychamber.com or at the registration trailer the day of the event.

Sponsors for this year’s Cedar River Shiver are Cedar River Pizza, Cedar River Signs, CUSB Bank, Dairy Queen, Gerber Decoy Rigs, Hot Shots Billiards, Mike Molstead Motors, Schueth Ace Hardware and Zoetis.

All participants must check-in at the boat ramp prior to the event to receive a wristband. Registration will be open that day from 1:15-2:45 p.m. Participants must complete the liability waiver form as well. Chickens must also check-in to receive their pass for the Coop and to be entered into the drawing for the buckets of chicken.

Community Revitalization is Charles City’s Main Street Iowa program and is a volunteer-driven, non-profit organization dedicated to making Charles City a better place to live, work and play.

For more information call 641-228-2335 or email info@charlescitychamber.com.