Dressed like a yellow duck, Ian Leonard takes the plunge into Lake Riley with two other brave souls. Photos by Stuart Sudak
Fox 9 meteorologist Ian Leonard seems to be a natural when it comes to polar plunges, sort of like a duck takes to water.
Of course, it could just be his outfit.
For Eden Prairie’s 15th annual polar plunge on Saturday, Leonard jumped into Lake Riley dressed like a yellow duck. He quipped later on social media that he was “one cold duck.”
On a wintry but bright afternoon, the Eden Prairie resident led hundreds of polar plunge participants into the frigid waters for a quick dip for a good cause.
Leonard, described by an event organizer in a 2015 Eden Prairie News article as the plunge ambassador, has been taking part in plunges since 2007.
The Eden Prairie event is one of many polar plunges throughout Minnesota raising money for the Special Olympics.
Nearly 600 people plunged on Saturday in Eden Prairie, raising about $160,000.
In its first 14 years, the Eden Prairie polar plunge raised about $1.6 million. Last year, 157 plungers raised about $54,000.
Participants wait to plunge in Lake Riley while listening to the National Anthem.
The jump into the water is always the hardest.
This couple looks like they’re walking on water. 
Some people (like the girl on the left) got dressed up for their plunge.
Plungers make their way out of the lake.