MAYVILLE — The Presidents Day Winter Festival in Mayville is canceled this year, but Family Health Medical Services plans to continue its annual Polar Plunge.

In the past six years, the FHMS Polar Plunge event raised $39,255.69 for community members in need. Individuals pledged to raise funds for the chance to take a chilly plunge into Chautauqua Lake closely supervised by a dive team.

Due to the continued increase of COVID-19 cases, Chautauqua County’s Polar Plunge on Feb. 6 has shifted to an all Brrr-tual Event for 2021. While the event may look different this year, the need for community support remains the same.

The proceeds from the 2021 event will be donated to The Rosie’s Run Foundation, whose mission is to spread kindness and help as many local community members in need as possible. Instead of plunging into the frigid waters of Chautauqua Lake, participants will participate in a plunge at home. The rules are simple: Get cold, be safe and don’t forget to film it! Participants can take the Virtual Plunge however they like. Creativity is key. Organizers ask everyone participating to take a photo or video and post it to the event page on Feb. 6 at Facebook @PolarPlungeMayville

Participants are asked to raise money towards their plunge. Bentley Tree Care LLC in Westfield has pledged to match $1,500 for the first $1,500 raised. Donations toward the cause can be made via the GoFundMe link located on our PolarPlungeMayville Facebook page.

Organizers also ask that participants not attempt to jump into a lake, river or any other body of water for the virtual plunge. Do not do anything that could physically harm anyone. Family Health Medical Services is not responsible for any injuries that occur while participating in the virtual plunge. Additionally, the office will not share photos or videos featuring dangerous or inappropriate behavior.