Feb 3, 2016 By Toni Cekada for The 2 min read

Calling on those brave enough to take a dip in the Monongahela River, the third annual Frosty Frolic Winter River Romp will be held once again in Coal Center.

The icy event will kick off at 12:30 p.m. for registration, with costume judging to follow at 1:10 p.m. Feb. 6.

The event is hosted by the California Area School District Foundation, and all proceeds are used toward the foundation’s goal, which is to provide scholarships for students and mini grants for teachers.

“This has become our primary fundraiser,” said Lisa Buday, a trustee of the foundation. “As for the mini grants, the teachers have previously used them for a butterfly habitat and wireless keyboards.”

Buday also said the foundation strives to make scholarships available for both traditional and nontraditional students.

In its year, the fundraiser earned the foundation $5,000, and last year, Buday said, “several thousand dollars” were also collected.

Funds are raised from the $10 registration fee and also from either groups or individuals collecting donations. Prizes are then awarded to those who collected the most money, to the oldest and the youngest participants to jump in the Mon and for costumes as well.

Buday said the big prize this year will be a set of Penguins hockey tickets. Other prizes are generally gift cards.

Included in the registration fee, each participant will receive a long-sleeved T-shirt and a fleece headband. Those interested in registering may do so at the event or online at calsdfoundation.org, where a release form to be signed is also available.

Also at the event will be a DJ to liven the mood, a selfie spot with fun frames, heated tents for changing, river rescue and a hot chocolate and baked goods stand set up by the California Area Band Association.

“The first year we had eight inches of snow, and last year it was 50 degrees, so we’ve seen both extremes. We’ll just have to wait to see what happens this year,” Buday said.

The event will be held on Water Street at the launch ramp in Coal Center.