Sea Isle City to Hold 20th Annual Polar Beach Plunge

SEA ISLE CITY — During the past two decades, countless people have flocked to Sea Isle City each Feb. to shake-off the winter blues with a brisk dip in the Atlantic Ocean. This year, on Feb. 15, revelers will return to town to celebrate the resort’s 20th Annual Polar Bear Plunge, which was founded by the Sea Isle City Tourism Commission in 1995. Today, the yearly event is hosted by the members of the Sea Isle City Chamber of Commerce, who are planning their biggest and best plunge to date.
“We have many events scheduled, including special commemorations that will honor the notable people who have been involved with the plunge during the past twenty years – and who have helped make it what it is today,” said Chamber of Commerce and Revitalization President Chris Glancey.
Sea Isle’s 20th Annual Polar Bear Plunge activities will take place Feb. 14, 15, and 16 of Presidents Weekend (also known as “Plunge Weekend” in Sea Isle City). In addition to the Polar Bear “Royal Family” contests on Feb. 14 and the Mike’s Seafood Polar Bear Run/Walk for Autism on Feb. 16, the weekend will feature a variety of events on Feb. 15, including a Costume Contest, a parade, appearances by Sea Isle’s original Polar Bear Queen Irene Jameson, appearances by special-guest celebrities and the weekend’s main event: a plunge in the Atlantic Ocean with thousands of participants.
The Polar Bear Costume Contest will begin at 12 noon on Sat. The competition will be emceed by Comedian/Radio Personality Big Daddy Graham under the Family Tent at the LaCosta Complex, JFK Boulevard and Landis Avenue. Contestants are invited to don their most creative costumes and register on the day of the competition prior to 11:30 a.m. in the Plunge Registration Tent on JFK Boulevard, located between Central and Landis Avenues. Only registered plungers will be permitted to enter the Costume Contest. Prizes will be awarded to the best costumes in several categories, including Individuals/Small Groups (1-4 people), Medium Groups (5-9 people), Large Groups (10 or more people) and Families. There will also be a prize for Best in Show. Trophies, medals and gift certificates for The Lobster Loft Restaurant will be distributed to winners during an award ceremony under the Family Tent at 4:00 p.m. on Sat.
Following the merriment of the Costume Contest, the 2014 Polar Bear Parade will run along JFK Boulevard from Central Avenue to Pleasure Avenue starting at 1:15 p.m. The parade will feature live music, the 2014 Polar Bear Royal Family, past Polar Bear Kings and Queens, the contestants from this year’s Costume Contest and more.
The 20th Annual Polar Bear Plunge will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Sat. on the JFK Boulevard Beach, where only registered plungers will be permitted to walk onto the sand. Participants can pre-register for the plunge online by visiting www.lacosta-seaisle.com or register on the day of the plunge at the Plunge Registration Tent on JFK Boulevard, located between Central and Landis Avenues. The fee to register for the plunge is $25 per person. Plungers who are age 12 to 17 will require the signature of a parent or guardian upon registration. Each registered plunger will receive a commemorative 20th Anniversary Polar Bear Plunge tee-shirt while supplies last.
A special jitney service will be available during Friday and Saturday of Plunge Weekend. The jitneys will run along Landis Avenue from 29th Street to 93rd Street. The main downtown jitney pick-up location on Sat. will be on Landis at West Jersey Avenue (one block south of JFK Boulevard). The main downtown drop-off location will be on JFK Boulevard near the LaCosta Complex.
“It amazes me that 20 years have passed since the first plunge,” added Glancey. “I was on the beach that first year when only a handful of brave souls jumped into the ocean. Who could have imagined that in 20 short years Sea Isle’s Polar Bear Plunge has grown to be one of the biggest events in our town – if not one of the biggest in New Jersey. Everyone is invited to join the fun on February 15, either as a plunger or a spectator.”
To learn more about Sea Isle City’s 20th Annual Polar Bear Plunge or other activities taking place during plunge weekend, visit www.lacosta-seaisle.com or www.seaislechamber.com. For information by phone, dial (609) 263-9090.