Special Olympics Massachusetts hosted its annual Polar Plunge on Feb. 23 with simultaneous events at Revere and Nantasket beaches. Special Olympics Massachusetts said the plunges are the biggest fundraiser for the organization, raising almost 10 percent of its revenue.

Pictured at the Revere Beach Plunge is Michael Forte, who was a costume contest favorite. Forte, a first-time plunger, said he would definitely continue to participate in the event.

Plunge participants, who raised a minimum of $250, came as individuals and groups alike, sometimes joining with family and friends and wearing matching outfits.

A range of costumes were represented in the costume parade before the Polar Plunge.

Billy Allen, as the “Batman bride,” was the costume contest winner. He said this is the 13th year he has taken the plunge and that he will continue.

“I feel like it’s something bizarre that puts a smile on people’s faces,” he said of his ensemble.

Plunge participants took laps around Revere Beach to show off their costumes to onlookers.

Some costume contest participants teamed up with friends for their theme.

Numerous people turned to the animal kingdom for their costume ideas, some sporting store-bought outfits and some that were hand-crafted. There were penguins among a chicken, a polar bear, and the real dogs that ran around the beach.

One plunger decided to channel his inner Zach Galifianakis with this Hangover-inspired look.

Many participants and their supporters wore outfits with messages advocating for the cause.

The event was open to all ages. Some of the day’s youngest attendees posed in front of the Polar Plunge sign on Revere Beach.

Just before plunging, participants broke out into a rendition of the Harlem Shake.

Before plunging time, participants shivered in their chosen outfits, which ranged from bathsuits to diapers.

Dozens of participants waited anxiously to complete the frigid plunge.

Some participants kept moving to keep their body temperatures up.

Plungers made their way in small groups toward the water, most coming back out as soon as they were submerged.

Plungers scattered as they returned from the freezing water in search of warmer destinations and dry clothes.

Wet participants wasted no time going to the locker room after their frigid swim.

Most chilly participants were happy to get out of the ocean. Temperatures were 37 degrees at plunge time.

One participant dived into the frigid Atlantic water.

Some plungers decided to stay in the water longer than the few seconds that were required, cheering and whistling.

As the last of the plungers emerged from the ocean, family members waited with dry towels and big smiles.