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Polar Plunge Draws Hundreds Of Chill Seekers

WILLIAMSPORT, Md. (AP) -- About 400 people plunged into the Potomac River in Williamsport on New Year's Day.

The Herald Mail reports the water temperature at the 10th annual Polar Bear Plunge at the River Bottom Park in Williamsport was about 33 degrees. Tuesday's plunge, a fundraiser for the Humane Society of Washington County, also included the launch of 260 green and white balloons in memory of the victims of the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Conn.

Last year, 388 people braved the icy water for the plunge, and the event and raised about $18,000.

Meanwhile, about 20 people plunged into the Potomac River in Brunswick for the sixth annual Freezin' for a Reason charity event.

The Frederick News-Post reports Tuesday's event at the Brunswick Family Campground raised close to $2,000.

That money will go to four local charities including a cold weather shelter in Frederick and the Brunswick Food Bank.

The event is sponsored by the Brunswick Area Recreation Council.

(Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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