Sea Isle City is the place to be during Presidents Day weekend when thousands of visitors once again flock to the beach to experience the chilly thrill of the Polar Bear Plunge.
“Spending Presidents Day weekend in Sea Isle City has become a tradition for so many families to enjoy all of the Polar Bear Plunge festivities, and this year is no exception,” said Jimmy Bennett, the event organizer. “We are looking forward to hosting the thousands of visitors for a weekend of fun as we kick off the 2020 season in Sea Isle City.”
On Saturday, registered plungers will have a chance to showcase their creativity during the Polar Bear Costume Contest at 10 a.m. at the La Costa main tent. Contestants can register as small, medium or large groups for the contest online at www.lacosta-seaisle.com. Registration will also be available the day of the event at 9 a.m. under the main tent. Contestants are reminded to keep all costumes tasteful; the event organizers reserve the right to deny entry to the contest. Winners will be announced at 2:30 p.m.
Day-of plunge registrations and preregistration pick-up will take place on Saturday from 7-11:45 a.m. in the tent outside of La Costa. The cost of the plunge is $25; proceeds benefit the Sea Isle City Chamber of Commerce and Revitalization and its 2020 events. Plungers must be at least 12 years old. All registered plungers will receive a wristband and a T-shirt (while supplies last). The official time of the Polar Bear Plunge is from noon to 12:15 p.m., and the official plunge location is from 38th to 40th Street. Medical assistance and ocean-rescue personnel will be on-site.
The fun doesn’t end there. Sunday features the 12th annual Mike’s Seafood Polar Bear Run/Walk for Autism, which starts at noon from JFK Boulevard and the Promenade. Registration and preregistration pick-up will take place on Sunday from 9-11:30 am under the main tent at La Costa. Proceeds from the Run/Walk benefit special services schools, autism support groups, and families of special-needs children in Cape May and Atlantic counties.
Jitney service will be available Friday from 6 p.m.-4 a.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 a.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. All metered parking is free. There are also several public parking lots available at 42nd Place & the bay, 45th & Landis, 45th-46th & Central (public school lot) and 94th & Landis.
Several businesses also plan to kick off the 2020 season and open their doors for this fun, festive weekend! Shop, dine, explore and more while you’re here and check out the list of which businesses are open and store specials before you arrive in town at www.seaislechamber.com/openforbusiness.
To register for the Polar Bear Plunge and see a full list of weekend events, go to www.lacosta-seaisle.com or www.seaislechamber.com.
To register for the Mike’s Seafood Run/Walk for Autism or the Cornhole Tournament, go to www.polarbearrunwalkforautism.com.