Local people are aiming to start their new year off right by diving – literally – right on in with the first-ever East Tennessee Polar Plunge on New Year’s Day.

The polar plunge, a tradition in many other states and communities, is happening at Cherokee Lake in Jefferson County. 

The Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce saying they’re hosting the first-ever East Tennessee Polar Plunge to not only have some fun, but also for a good cause. 

Proceeds from the event will go toward Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful Foundation to aid in their efforts to perform lake and river clean-ups and also to the Middle Tennessee Tourism Council to help promote the nine lakes, the national parks and state parks of East Tennessee.

The entrance fee to participate in the East Tennessee Polar Plunge is $30 and participants will also receive a T-shirt, marking their bravery for jumping into a cold lake on New Year’s Day for a good cause.

To register, visit their website.