Polar Bear Plunge in Alaska
This year, on Saturday, January 19th, the 23rd annual Polar Bear Plunge will take place in Seward, Alaska. I have never quite been able to talk myself into participating in the actual jump, although I have acted as a "team support member" for crazy friends who have. Picture the girl holding the towel on the dock… that's me! All of the funds raised go to the American Cancer Society. But, even with such a good cause, I am amazed that they have found over 1000 hearty souls over the last 23 years who were and are willing to jump into the ocean… in January… in ALASKA.
These teams go all out. There is a prize for best costume. Some of the outfits that they come up with are so beautiful, you can hardly believe they are willing to jump in the water wearing them. Some just wear the costumes to the dock and then strip down to bathing suits. Still, the winter ocean is painfully cold no matter how much (or little) you are wearing. The jumpers have support in the water. Divers in dry suits are hanging out in the water in the event that a jumper will need help getting back onto the dock. There are also medics on hand… just in case.
Over the years, a whole slew of events have emerged around this crazy polar bear jump. There is a sport recreation show, a craft market, a parade (all of the jumpers in their costumes on the way to the docks), a children's winter carnival, turkey bowling (picture frozen turkey's instead of bowling balls), a lip sync contest, an oyster slurping contest, and a seafood feed (Proceeds from the last two events benefit Children with Cancer). There is also a Polar Bear Pool Tournament on Sunday (also to benefit Children with Cancer) and a "Hair Cut Off" for those that have 10 - 12 inches of hair to donate to help kids with cancer.
Seward is a great place to visit anytime of year. It's just 2 1/2 hours (by car) South of Anchorage. They have some fun events in the summer and incredible Grey Whale watching in April… but as far as winter events go… this is the one NOT to miss. If you can make it to Seward for the 19th, I say pile up in the van and go go go!
