Sea Isle City's Polar Bear Plunge set for Feb. 16
Cape May County Herald.com
By On Deck Staff
Published January 31, 2008
With warmer days just a few months away, many people are impatiently awaiting the return of “beach weather.” Others, however, can’t wait until June, and are willing to take a dip in the Atlantic Ocean now. If you are one of these intrepid beach-goers, the Sea Isle City Polar Bear Plunge is for you!
During Sea Isle City’s 4th Annual Polar Bear Plunge in 1998, Irene Jameson (wearing sash), the event’s original Polar Bear Queen and organizer, dressed as Miss America 1924. Since then, the plunge has grown to include nearly 1000 polar bears and draws throngs of spectators. Sea Isle’s 2008 Polar Bear Plunge will take place on Saturday, February 16.
On Saturday, Feb. 16, at 2 p.m., an estimated 1,000 participants will once again take the Polar Bear Plunge in Sea Isle City - all in the name of fun and charity. The plunge will take place on the beach at 40th Street and is expected to draw thousands of on-lookers.
During Polar Bear Plunge weekend, Sea Isle City comes “out of hibernation,” with many businesses opening just for this special event. Plus, there are plenty of pre-plunge activities to entertain the masses. For example, don’t miss the crowning of the 2008 Polar Bear Queen on Friday, Feb. 15, at 7 p.m. At that time, Irene Jameson, Sea Isle’s beloved Polar Bear Queen since 1995, will officially bequeath her title to the newly crowned queen. A contest for the new queen has been underway since summer 2007, with proceeds benefiting the Make a Wish Foundation and free family summer activities.
The Annual Polar Bear Plunge Costume Contest is again scheduled to take place on the day of the plunge at LaCosta Lounge, JFK Boulevard and Landis Avenue. Costume judging will take place between 12:00 and 1:30 P.M., and an awards ceremony will follow the plunge at 3:30. There will also be a post-plunge party with a complimentary buffet, entertainment, and a family tent.
Polar Bears can registration at the Beach Tag Office, 125 Kennedy Boulevard, on Friday, Feb. 15, from 6 to 8 p.m., and on Feb. 16, from 10 a.m. to noon. There is a $25 registration fee, and only registered polar bears will be permitted in the costume contest. Registrants will receive a free t-shirt and an entry wristband.
“Make your dinner reservations early for Polar Bear Weekend,” advises Tourism Representative Diane Merson. “We’re once again expecting a tremendous crowd in Sea Isle that weekend. Also, we suggest that people register early for the plunge to beat the crowds.”
For additional information about the Polar Bear Plunge, visit www.seaisletourism.org or phone (609) 263-TOUR.
