XTO Energy’s Chris Frazier, shown in this photo by Karen LoneFight, does a tucked spin into the icy water during the MHA Nation Ice Warrior Plunge. A charity event, funds raised go to the American Indian Cancer Foundation and other local cancer programs.

NEW TOWN – The seventh annual Ice Warrior Plunge, sponsored by the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation, raised nearly $100,000 for the MHA Cancer Fund on the day of the event last week, according to Lovell Overlie, event coordinator. She said donations are still coming in.

Overlie said the fund was created to defer the expensive battle of cancer.

An activity of the annual Winter Festival, the MHA Ice Warrior Challenge was held Feb. 28 at the 4 Bears Marina, west of New Town.

“We had 91 jumpers this year. It was a great turnout,” Overlie said.

The MHA Ice Warrior Challenge is celebrated by various people jumping into the icy cold waters on Lake Sakakawea near the 4 Bears Casino and Lodge marina.

Charlie Moran was master of ceremonies, DJ Rocks had music blaring to keep things flowing, a host of helpers assisted at the event, hot drinks were served, and towels and other swag were available.

The charity event, led by the Office of Chairman Mark Fox, has been taking place since 2016, and has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the American Indian Cancer Foundation and other local cancer programs. Donations can be made to the MHA Cancer Fund.

Other events held during the Winter Festival included a ice sculpting and snowman making contests, ice fishing tournament, winter walk/run, chili cookoff, and hot chocolate making.

(Karen LoneFight contributed to this story.)