A mid-winter plunge in Lake Couchiching is among a slew of chillingly thrilling activities on tap for the 2008 Orillia Winter Carnival.

Running Feb. 8-10, the carnival will again feature the perennially popular polar bear dip. Pledge money raised by dippers in advance of the event is distributed to local community groups and causes, noted carnival president Mark Earl.
"The Polar Bear Dip is our signature event," said Earl. "There seems to be a real fascination, and not just for the folks who take to the icy waters of Lake Couchiching. The public really seems to enjoy watching the startled and shocked expressions on the dippers' faces."
Submissions must be postmarked by Dec. 31 and should be addressed to the Orillia Winter Carnival, P.O. Box 593, Orillia, On., L3V 8K5.
Submissions also can be sent to info@orilliawintercarnival.ca.