Annual Alligator Plunge Voting Now Open

It's that time of year again to take the plunge. The Whiteville Junior Woman's Club will host their third annual Artic Alligator Plunge, and there is a big lineup of folks trying to keep their toes out of the cold water at the Lake Waccamaw State Park.

The purpose of the event is to raise money to help the organization with charitable projects, scholarships for local high school students, beautification and conservation projects, and serving the needs of the local community.

Last year, Columbus County Manager Eddie Madden took home the bragging rights for the most money raised. Though he could have saved himself from the Waccamaw waters, he chose to join his competitors and take a dip.

This year, some familiar faces will be on the dry dock with their fingers crossed.

Contestants this year include Whiteville Fire Department Lieutenant Marquise Blanks; Whiteville High School baseball coach Turner Brown; Kent Frazier of Total Health and Rehab; West Columbus High School principal Ronna Gore; Chef Sarah Gore; Whiteville Police Officer Josh Harris; Sport-A-Cut barber shop owner Heath Long; Columbus County Chamber of Commerce director Joan McPherson; News Reporter photographer and writer Grant Merritt; and Columbus County Sheriff Bill Rogers.

Vote for your favorite celebrity jumper by making donations to Whiteville Junior Woman's Club, and the one who raises the most cash gets to choose whether they take the plunge or stay dry. The other nine competitors are getting wet. Votes are $5 each. You can also take the plunge yourself in the name of charity. If you decide to sign up to jump, the cost to register is $15 this year, and all the contestants will receive a medallion.

Come out and cheer on all the contestants at the Lake Waccamaw State Park on Saturday, March 4, at 9 a.m. The event will also be broadcast live on the Whiteville Junior Woman’s Club Facebook page on the day of the Artic Alligator Plunge. Visit Arctic Alligator Plunge to vote, donate, and found out more.