The city closed off part of Minnesota Street for a large pool, tents, and sauna as a crowd gathered this past Saturday for the Sixth Annual New Ulm Arctic Plunge event hosted by 209 Pub & Grill in downtown New Ulm. Participants expecting to take the plunge dressed in costumes ranging from Father Time to Santa and their little helper for their mid-afternoon jump.

The goal of the Arctic plunge was to raise money for local the charities of: the New Ulm Fire Department (NUFD) relief, New Ulm Police Department, the Brown County Humane Society, and the scholarships for New Ulm Royalty.

In addition to supporting jumpers, the event raised money through gold, silver, and bronze sponsors. The NUFD cooked wings and had other refreshments for purchase, and live auction. Auction items were sold throughout the event. After the jumpers, live music from “Tri8” took place at the K bar.

“This all started when I bought the Lamplighter in 2019. I started it to raise money for the fire department,” said 209 Pub owner Herb Knutson. “There usually are 15 to 30 people that jump, we expected a big crowd. Anyone that raises over one hundred dollars can jump and there are prizes for the person who raises the most and a prize for best costume.”

Jordan Herzog (engine 10) and Ben Schrupp (engine 70) of New Ulm’s Fire Department plunge side by side for a good cause at this year’s Arctic Plunge.

With water between 20 to 30 degrees, there were safety measures in place to keep participants safe after their jump; including warm towels, t-shirts, and a 10 person sauna to keep people warm after the jump. Children were equipped with life jackets, and New Ulm firefighter Jordan Herzog was suited up and waiting in the pool to help make sure all jumpers were able to safely make it out of the water.

Most jumpers were not prepared for the cold. Crystal Hoffmann of team Looney Toons, who jumped with her children Laney Hoffmann dressed as Tweedy Bird and Sophia Hoffman dressed as Bugs Bunny summed it up best after her jump.

“It was freakin’ cold,” said Crystal Hoffman.

Trio Glen Schaffer, Willie Schaffer, and Josh Helget of Schafer Well Company took the plunge together and raised $3,400 with help of sponsors for the causes.

“I did not prepare for this. I challenged my brother that if he raised a thousand dollars then I would jump. It wasn’t as bad as I thought. This was my first year to jump,” said Glen Schafer.

New Ulm Royals and their mothers after taking the Arctic Plunge Saturday. (Left to right) Madilyn Portner, Nikki Portner, Natalie Schwartz, Kari Poulson, Addie Ringhofer, and Wendi Ringhofer.

Thresa Beckman, a volunteer representing the Brown County Humane Society, jumped as well and helped with concessions. Her costume was a bright orange Garfield hat. She felt her jump went fast.

“I’ve done it before (in years past) so I didn’t really need to prepare for it much. It was already cold and chilly, so I was sort of used to it when I jumped,” said Beckman.

Even Andrea Boettger, New Ulm’s city council’s president took the plunge last minute unexpectedly.

“It was not so bad. I wasn’t prepared for it. I said if we raised $500 then I’d jump. And who wouldn’t want to jump?” said Boettger.

Becky Portner, an organizer for the Arctic Plunge said the 17 participants who jumped raised $6,798. Portner said the fundraising totals will increased once other proceeds from the auction are tallied.

A crowd gathers for the sixth annual New Ulm Arctic Plunge downtown Saturday.

Chris Gordon takes a deep breath before taking a jump in his hula skirt costume.

Laney Hoffmann, Crystal Hoffmann, and Sophia Hoffmann jump in freezing cold water for the Arctic Plunge.

Andrea Boettger, New Ulm’s City Council President jumps for a good cause at this year’s Arctic Plunge.