HARMONY — The Connoquenessing Creek is not known as a popular swimming site, especially in the winter. But on New Year’s Day people will be jumping in if only for a few seconds.

That is when the borough will sponsor its annual Polar Plunge at 1 p.m.

The plungers will meet outside the Harmony Inn at noon and participate in a short parade, which will include a bagpiper, to the Jackson Street boat launch. The Harmony Inn will open at 10 a.m. for the event.

The plunge started five years ago as a fundraiser for the Zelienople Community Parks, but has been taken over by Harmony, said Susie Altemus, parks board chairman.

The proceeds will be split between the parks board and the Harmony Volunteer Fire Department, which helps with the event.

The goal is to raise about $1,000, Altemus said.

Prizes will be given to the two participants with the best costumes and to the person who raises the most money, Altemus said.

This year Mayor Cathy Rape said she would participate if she could raise $1,000 in pledges.

Rape said her mother, Altemus, and others have distributed flyers asking for pledges to get her to go in.

“It’s a fun time and it’s to good causes. The parks board needs the money and so does the fire company,” Rape said.

Council members Frank Luek and Greg Such said they might jump in. Luek participated last year.

People interested in participating can sign up on Jan. 1 or in advance. To find a link to the sign-up page, visit harmony-pa.us.