The Juniata Valley YMCA’s 15th Annual Polar Plunge returns Saturday, bringing a burst of mid-winter energy to the historic state park as Snowfest activities unfold throughout the day.

Registration for the plunge opens at noon, giving participants a couple of hours to gather courage before the 2:30 p.m. plunge — also known as the exact moment many people begin questioning their life choices.

Last year’s plunge drew more than 100 plungers, and organizers hope to match that number again.

Snowfest begins at 11 a.m. and fills the park with family-friendly activity. Kids bounce between craft tables, winter games and nature walks that reveal tracks and feathers from the park’s quieter wildlife. Adults gravitate toward the bonfire on the beach, where warming up becomes both a necessity and a social activity. Inside the warming hut, Matt Marsden provides live music from 1 to 2:30 p.m., giving visitors a soundtrack for thawing fingers and sipping hot chocolate.

Submitted photo
The number of plungers has grown to exceed 100 for the annual event.

There will be bike demos, the Pennsylvania Game Commission and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will host hands-on activities at Pavilion 4. Smokey Bear will make his annual appearance at 2 p.m..

Then comes the plunge — the moment the day shifts from festive to unforgettable. Costumes appear, ranging from superheroes to matching team outfits to the occasional brave soul in something wildly unsuited for January. Shoes are required. When the countdown hits zero, plungers charge into the lake, sending up icy spray and cheers that echo across the valley.

Boy Scout Troop 4 grand slam breakfast

Boy Scout Troop 4 will hold a grand slam breakfast fundraiser from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday at Lewistown Presbyterian Church, Third and Brown streets (lower level). The cost is $10 for adults, $8 for ages 5 to 10 and free for ages under 5. Tickets available at the door.

Fish, oyster and crab cake supper

The Rescue Hose Co. No. 20, 222 S. Sassafras St., Beavertown, is having a fish, oyster and crab cake supper at 4 pm. Saturday, Takeout is available. Proceeds benefit the ladies auxiliary.

Live entertainment

• Chris Schenck, 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Seven Mountains Wine Cellars, 324 Decker Valley Road, Spring Mills.

• TNT, 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Shy Bear Brewing, 35 Meadowbrook Lane,

Lewistown.

• Jake and Friendz, 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Hungry Run Distillery, 10 Ridens Road, Lewistown.

• Mike Weyrauch, 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Shy Bear Brewing, 35 Meadowbrook Lane, Lewistown.

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Have an event coming up? Email the details to events@lewistownsentinel.com by 5 p.m. Tuesday the week of the event.