3 Things to Do this weekend

1. POLAR PLUNGE

The 8th annual Steeleville Polar Plunge fundraiser for Eli Rabacchi will be held on Jan. 9 at 2 p.m. at 4407 Rockcastle Road.

Participants are encouraged to wear purple. Food, drinks and raffles will be offered with "We Got It Covered" providing music.

The cost to jump is $20, which includes a T-shirt. Registration is from noon to 2 p.m.

2. TWELFTH NIGHT BALL

This Saturday, Prairie du Rocher will mark the end of the Christmas season with the annual Twelfth Night Ball.

This year marks the 40th year of the revival of the ball in 1976. At the ball, a tradition handed down from the earliest settlers of Prairie du Rocher, a piece of cake is offered to all gentlemen in attendance.

The cake has four beans hidden inside; the first to find a bean becomes the King of the Ball. The remaining beans define the court.

But this is a leap year, so something may change.

The guests are dressed in their 18th century finest. The candlelight, the draped decorations and the beautiful hardwood dance floor - combined with amazing music - is truly a step back in time.

The American Legion offers a full-service cash bar and will offer several wines especially selected for the ball. Commemorative glasses will be available for sale at the door.

Music is provided by Cousin Curtis and the Cash Rebates, an old-time string band offering waltzes, schottisches, polkas, reels and square dances.

The caller gives brief instructions before the dances.

The ball will be held from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. with doors to open at 6 p.m. Music starts at 8 p.m.

Cake is served about 9 p.m. The ball is held at the American Legion Hall, 509 Henry Street (Route 155) in Prairie du Rocher.

Admission is $10 per person. Age 14 and under $5, and must be accompanied by an adult. Family price is $30.

The ball is sponsored by La Guiannee Societe, a not-for-profit group dedicated to keeping many of our local customs alive.

The public is welcome, and costumes are not required. No coolers or outside liquor allowed. All past kings and queens of the ball are invited to help celebrate.

3. PINEWOOD DERBY

The Chester Scouts will hold their annual Pinewood Derby on Sunday, Jan. 10 at St. John Lutheran's gymnasium.

Races will start at 12 p.m. and continue until all participants have raced. A concession stand will also be provided by the St. John Lutheran School eighth grade class.

The event is free and open to the public.