Victor Jones belly flops into the Arctic Plunge pool while dressed in a muumuu. Jones was representing America Midwest Transportation. The judges awarded his team second place based on audience response.

NEW ULM — Saturday was a relatively warm day to take a swim and participants in the 2nd Annual Arctic Plunge found that out for themselves.

Nearly 20 teams lined up to jump into a pool outside of Lamplighter Family Bar and Grill to raise money for worthy causes in the area.

Lamplighter owner Herb Knutson said the event will raise money for New Ulm Fire Department, Brown County Humane Society, Committee Against Domestic Abuse (CADA) and the Food Shelf.

Knutson previously hosted arctic plunges at his restaurant in Isanti and last year brought the tradition to New Ulm.

Before the plunge began a live-auction was held. A raffle drawing was held later in the evening.

The actual plunging featured a variety of colorful characters and costumes. Those jumping into the pool were judged on costumes and crowd noise.

Kerry Hoffman and Lisa Helget won with their soap and loofah team costumes. Hoffman and Helget also raised the second most of the plungers. The two collected $1,075 for the fundraiser. Tim Zinnel raised the most with $1,500.

Second place was a five-way tie between The Bob Ross/Tree team, Caddy Shack team, North Lake Brewing, Cameron Wieland and America Midwest Transportation Team. As a tie-breaker, the crowd cheered for their favorite team, and America Midwest had the loudest support.

The last jumper of the day was Herb Knutson himself. He promised only to jump in the water if the crowd raised enough money. The crowd managed just under $1,000. Knutson gave an additional $500 and then took the plunge in his white suit.

This year’s Arctic Plunge was warmer than last year. Temperatures were above freezing for most of the afternoon. Members of the New Ulm Fire Department filled the pool and said the water temperature started at 56 degrees.

After taking the plunge, Knutson said even though this year was warmer, the water was still really cold.

The total money raised for the event was still being calculated. Knutson said he hopes it is at least $1 more than last year. He was excited to hold the event again this year and promised to do it again in 2021.

“We’ll make it bigger and better,” he said.