Max Pennington, Ashley Beaver, Shauna Hutzel, Meghan Stuthard, Samantha Vincent (Photos: Michael Donahue)

It was chilly outside and chili inside at the Bluff City Fire & Ice Polar Bear Plunge, which was held February 21st at the Pipkin Building and Tiger Lane.

The cook-off, held inside the Pipkin Building, featured prizes for red chili, salsa, peopleโ€™s choice, and showmanship. Braver souls took part in the plunge, which was held in a tank outside near the entrance of the Pipkin Building on Tiger Lane.

The annual event was presented by Special Olympics of Greater Memphis. 

Michael Donahue began his career in 1975 at the now-defunct Memphis Press-Scimitar and moved to The Commercial Appeal in 1984, where he wrote about food and dining, music, and covered social events until...