Turn Blue
SAT 2/21
Of all the winter sports concocted by civilized athletes, none is more baffling than the polar bear tradition. Why would people choose to dive into a lake in the middle of winter when there are activities near fireplaces, hot chocolate and central heating? Instead, the Ninth Annual Polar Bear Plunge, this Saturday at the Lake of the Ozarks, is a painfully cold ritual involving charity, costumes and prizes. It doesn’t make much sense, but it does earn a lot of money for a good cause. (Over the past decade, it’s brought in nearly half a million dollars for Special Olympics.)
To dive in, you’ll need to donate at least $50, which buys a sweatshirt and admission to the after-party. Be sure to bring your best costume for the Polar Bear Parade at 2 p.m., and be prepared to get wet at 2:30 at the scenic Public Beach Number Two. Call 800-846-2682 for details and directions.— Christopher Sebela
Oh, Deere
2/21-2/23
This weekend’s Western Farm Show at the American Royal Complex (touted by event promoters as not only warm and dry but clean and modern, too) might offer the perfect opportunity for tractor-pull competitors to score new vehicles. And that’s not all. It could be your chance to learn more about such topics as “The Pleasures of Bathing?” (11 a.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday — and no, we don’t understand the meaning behind the question mark), “Soybean Wax Candles Made Easy” (2 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday) and “Starting a Nut Grove” (11 a.m. Sunday). Although lectures focus on farm-style recipes and the nutritional benefits of farm-fresh foods, the food served at the event is typical concession-stand fare: nachos, cotton candy and the like. Nothing like cotton candy to send you home craving lima beans. The American Royal Complex is at 1800 Genessee; call 816-561-5323 for information. — Gina Kaufmann
Rugby fills void
ONGOING
Rugby players don’t have to be hulks. What’s often considered a game of brute strength actually requires speed and endurance. At least that’s what the Kansas City Rugby Football Club brags on its Web site (www.kcrugby.org). Game play does not involve forward passes, timeouts or substitutions, which means rugby players have to do it longer. To learn more about the game and how to get your hands on one of those sweet striped jerseys, check out a Tuesday or Thursday training session at 6:30 p.m. in Highland Park (47th Street and Shawnee Drive). For details, call 816-527-0880.— Michael Vennard
