To the delight of the crowd, a team leaps into the cold waters of the Humboldt Bay to raise money for the Discovery Museum. (Photo from the Perilous Plunge’s page.)

“Honestly, we want to see you be brave” should be the theme of the Perilous Plunge. For over a decade this wacky fundraiser for the Discovery Museum in Eureka has melded wild costumes, cold water and laughter as local folk gather pledges and leap into the chilly Bay while spectators cheer.

This year’s celebration of Humboldt’s crazy community begins today with a 10 a.m. parade from the Discovery Museum to the fabulous foot of “F” Street where teams of insane philanthropic folk leap in the chilly water.

Go to watch the parade. Stay to laugh at the antics.