Hartford’s 5th annual Polar Spray Challenge was held on Saturday, January 10 at the Hartford Fire and Rescue Department.

The fundraising event benefits Wisconsin Special Olympics, according to Hartford Special Olympics Fundraiser and Party Organizer Jackie Infalt. 

"This money that we raise this weekend is for Wisconsin Special Olympics. They run all of our tournaments, they run state competitions and they have to rent facilities, buy the medals and ribbons. I can't even explain to you how important these medals and ribbons are to the athletes. You can't imagine how excited they are when a medal is put around their neck for competing."

Over 30 athletes were sprayed down in the parking lot as it snowed on camera as part of the Special Olympics’ virtual Plunge Challenge. A few brave souls made snow angels.  

After the spray, participants warmed up inside the firehouse with hot chocolate, cake and hot dogs.

Photo by WTKM's Tom Jeffery.