12:13 PM: Jumping into Elliott Bay – where the mid-40s water temperature is 10 degrees warmer than the mid-30s air temperature – is the main event at the Polar Plunge benefiting Special Olympics Washington, but it’s just part of the fun. Fundraising plunges start at about 1 pm but food trucks and a beer garden are already here and open until late afternoon.

More photos to come!

ADDED 3 PM: More than 300 people registered for today’s Polar Plunge. Many came in costume – above, the Funny Farm won the group award in the pre-plunge costume contest, by onlooker acclaim. Other contenders included The Avocados:

Produce was a popular theme. “The Strawberry” got honorable mention in the individual costume competition.

Shortly afterward, the crowd moved to the beach for the main event – Polar Plunging. First in, Special Olympics athletes, who are the people the event is about – raising money to ensure costs are covered for all SO athletes:

Next in, the top team fundraiser, the Nearly Nekkid Norwegians:

The participants continued plunging in waves throughout the afternoon.

The event, including the food trucks and beer garden, is expected to wrap up by 4:30 pm. Preliminary fundraising total: More than $115,000; you can donate to Special Olympics any time by going here. The next competition is the Winter Games in Leavenworth, Wenatchee, and Mission Ridge next weekend.