OLD ORCHARD BEACH — March may be a little early for most to take a dip in the ocean in Maine, but thrill seekers can take a splash Saturday while supporting a good cause during the Second Annual Fire & Ice Event.

The event, held at The Brunswick, 39 West Grand Ave., benefits the American Cancer Society.

First up is the “Ice” portion of the event, where participants brave the icy waters of the Atlantic and take a dip into the ocean. Those interested can sign up as an individual or part of a team at fireandicemaine.org.

Plunge participants who raise at least $50 will receive a VIP ticket to the “fire” part of the event, the hot wing challenge.

Area restaurants will cook up hot wings, and participants will vote on their favorites in four categories — best barbecue, best buffalo, best spice and most unique.

“You can do both the fire and ice part of the event, or just one or the other. It’s up to you,” said American Cancer Society event organizer, Brian Casalinova in a written statement. And, “although some of the wings will be hot, they won’t all have heat.”

Plunge registration and check-in starts at noon, and the plunge takes place at 12:30. The Hot-Wing Challenge takes place from 1 to 3 p.m. Tickets for the all-you-can-eat wings event can be purchased at the door for $15, or in advance for $10, at fireandicemaine.org or facebook.com/FireandIceMaine. 

Organizers say that last year, the event raised about $5,000. 

Money raised for the American Cancer Society helps support a number of programs, said Cherilee Budrick, a spokeswoman for the American Cancer Society in Topsham, including research, transportation to treatment, hair loss options and skin care treatment, and an information hotline.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or [email protected].