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Polar Bear Plunge Sends Thousands Into Chilly Chesapeake Bay

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- Maryland's 19th annual Polar Bear Plunge is going on as scheduled despite the winter storm that moved through the area.

More than 7,000 people were expected to jump into the chilly waters of the Chesapeake Bay on Saturday for the Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge. The event benefits Special Olympics Maryland and its year-round programs.

Most participants raise $75 each for a plunge in the water. But some "super plungers" raise thousands of dollars to jump in the frigid water multiple times. The first plunges began on Friday morning.

For those who think it's too cold to plunge into the bone-chilling water, there are heated tents, live music, food and drinks.

The plunge started in 1997 and has raised more than $20 million for Special Olympics Maryland.

(Copyright 2015 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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