If you really don’t want to plunge through a huge hole cut in the ice of East Side Lake, well, that’s OK. You can still be part of Plunge for Pink on Saturday, Jan. 27.

You can be a Pinky Plunger.

“We would like all children, women and men of all ages and abilities to be able to partake in this great event, so we will kick off with an all-new Pinky Plunge this year,” said Cody Anderson, who one of the event organizers and has been its master of ceremonies since its inception.

Pinky Plungers will dip toes, fingers or whatever, he said. And, they all will do it together at the same time.

Plunge for Pink is a Paint the Town Pink event. The frigid fundraiser to support breast cancer research is in its sixth year. In five years, it has raised nearly $250,000 to help fund research in the fight against breast cancer, said Anderson of Hormel Foods Corp.

“It’s a great excuse to get outside in January, have a ton of fun, and do something incredible for a great cause,” Anderson said.

He is lobbying for a big crowd to come out for the event, even if they aren’t plunging.

“While plungers are raising money for a worthy cause, we encourage participants and spectators to be as festive as possible,” he said. “Be prepared for a fun environment with plenty of pink, music and fun.

“Our previous experience has shown that the more action the better, and we schedule our teams and individuals to get through their plunge quickly, ensuring non-stop fun and action.”

Anyone interested in participating should go to www.plungingforpink.com for more information and online registration.

Regular plunge participants are asked to raise a minimum of $50 toward breast cancer research in order to take the plunge. Pinky Plungers  Pinky are asked to raise a minimum of $30. All plungers are encouraged to raise as much as possible beyond that point.

Participants will turn in funds they raised during registration on Saturday. They will also receive plunging T-shirts and will need to sight waivers.

Registration on Jan. 27 begins at 11:30 a.m. and plunging at the public lake access begins at 1:30 p.m.

Plunge festivities continue on beyond the lake. The Plunge Celebration will begin at 6 p.m. at the Austin VFW. It will feature an awards ceremony for plungers, raffle prizes, music, beverages food and refreshments with proceeds going to benefit breast cancer research at the Hormel Institute. Starting at 8 p.m. The Bissen Family Band and The Ripdoozers will perform live.