Sea Isle City’s 21st Annual Polar Bear Plunge will take place Feb. 14, during Presidents Weekend. As is the case each year, “Plunge Saturday” is highlighted by a variety of enjoyable activities.
The Polar Bear Vendors Market will open at 10:00 a.m. on February 14 along JFK Boulevard (Central to Landis Avenues), where merchants will sell food, crafts and collectibles.
The 2015 Polar Bear Costume Contest will begin at 12 noon Feb. 14 under the Main Tent at LaCosta Lounge, JFK Boulevard and Landis Avenue. The contest will be emceed by Author / Forensic Linguist / Television Technical Advisor Jim Fitzgerald, who will introduce a bevy of participants donned in creative costumes. Contestants can register on the day of the event prior to 11:30 a.m. in the Registration Tent at LaCosta Lounge. Only registered plungers will be permitted to enter the Costume Contest. Winners will be chosen by a panel of guest judges. Prizes will be awarded to the best costumes in the following categories: 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. Prizes and gift certificates for The Lobster Loft Restaurant will be distributed to winners during an Award Ceremony at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday under the Main Tent at LaCosta.
A Polar Bear Pep Rally will take place at 1:15 p.m. at the Excursion Park Band Shell, JFK Boulevard and the Promenade, where The Fralinger String Band (first place winners of this year’s Philadelphia Mummers Parade) will fill the air with lively music. The Pep Rally will be emceed by Comedian / Radio Host Big Daddy Graham. During the rally, spectators and plungers can meet Sea Isle’s 2015 Polar Bear King, Queen, Prince and Princess, pose for photos with a variety of costumed characters and mascots, get a close look at the contestants from this year’s Polar Bear Costume Contest, and sit on the official Polar Bear Plunge Ice Throne.
Sea Isle’s 21st Annual Polar Bear Plunge will begin at 2:00 p.m. Feb. 14 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 Registration Tent on JFK Boulevard, located between Central and Landis Avenues. Proceeds from the sale of plunge tickets benefit community events hosted by the Sea Isle City Chamber of Commerce and Revitalization.
The Polar Bear Plunge is open to participants age 12 and older. 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 2015 Polar Bear Plunge tee-shirt while supplies last.
A special Jitney service will be available along Landis Avenue on the morning of Feb. 14 from 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon, 29th to 94th Street. Then, on Saturday afternoon, 12 noon to 6:00 p.m., the Jitney service will be suspended from JFK Boulevard to 29th Street and will only be available from JFK to 94th Street during that time. On Saturday evening, 6:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m., jitneys will run from 29th to 94th Street. Children age 5 and under sitting on an adult’s lap ride for free.
For more info about the Costume Contest or the 21st Annual Polar Bear Plunge, visit www.lacosta-seaisle.com or phone (609) 263-3611. To learn about other events taking place during Sea Isle City’s 2015 Polar Bear Weekend, visit www.VisitSICNJ.com .