Saturday, February 23, 2013
The annual event was moved from Seaside Heights because of Hurricane Sandy
Over 4,000 people participated in today's 20th annual Polar Bear Plunge for Special Olympics New Jersey in Long Branch. Over $1 million was raised by the event which was moved from Seaside Heights to Pier Village this year because of the devastation that area suffered at the hands of Hurricane Sandy. This is the first year the event has been held in Long Branch, and it is unknown whether or not it will return to the city next year If you have any photos or videos from today's plunge, please upload them to the article or send them to christopher.sheldon@patch.com
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Hurricane Sandy damaged the traditional plunge site: Seaside Heights
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Tuesday, November 20, 2012
An announcement as released by the Special Olympics New Jersey: In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, we hope that everyone is now safe and meeting the many challenges they face with help and support from friends and family. Our thoughts are with all of those who experienced a loss of any kind and we wish everyone the very best in the weeks and months ahead. Special Olympics New Jersey is moving forward with the organization and planning of the 20th Annual Seaside Heights Polar Bear Plunge. While we will face challenges with the location of this year’s event, we are prepared to make the necessary adjustments to ensure that we do conduct this year's plunge and at the same time make every effort to support the economy and restoration of Seaside …
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Check out our gallery, or add your photos, for today's big event
With more than 6,000 participants in this year's Polar Bear Plunge in Seaside Heights for Special Olympics of New Jersey, the variety of folks who plunged into the Atlantic Ocean today ranged from a troop of Waldos, to men in dapper three-piece suits. We spotted firefighters from Hazlet taking a dip in their helmets. Superheroes galore. A 100-plus team of Mardi Gras celebrants. They all emerged from a dip on a windy February day that even had scattered flurries. Did we take your picture today? Check out our gallery. You can add some pictures of your own, and share your costumes and plunge photos to this gallery.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Patch will be there to take the plunge, but stop by our table on the boardwalk and at Captain Hooks
The Polar Bear Plunge is quite a sight. Where else can you find a team of superheroes, or bagpipers, or throngs of Mardis Gras-costumed folks ready to jump into the ocean? There's thousands expected to plunge, and thousands more expected to watch. The Jersey Shore Patch staff is on both ends of that spectrum, as we have some folks among the throngs of chilly individuals jumping in. But we've also got a table we're watching from, and we hope you'll stop by and say hello. You can find us on the north end of the boardwalk, and at Captain Hooks. Do stop by if you need a warm treat or some words of encouragement. Or a free pen. We'll be handing out all those things, plus we have some roving photographers taking pictures of the esteemed plungers…
Large scale event draws thousands, raises funds for Special Olympics
Cold, wet, winter sand gathers around bare feet, and then, the final moments: the countdown. Suddenly, what sounds like a battle cry erupts from the beach, and thousands charge into the ocean (some, though, charge more timidly than others). It's February. The Atlantic Ocean is approximately 44 degrees. And it's one of the more crowded beach days of the year for Seaside Heights. The Polar Bear Plunge has already raised $1.065 million, which is more than last year, the day before the event. Thousands don swim suits and costumes and splash around, while tens of thousands more gawk from the boardwalk, or stand nearby with warm towels to throw around their shivering brethren. The day has no equal, said Thomas McGovern, one of the top …
Monday, December 19, 2011
It may be freezing out, but beach passes make great holiday gifts
Wishing it was July, and you were splashing in the waves of Island Beach State Park? Yeah, me too. You can help build the anticipation further. There’s special deals going on now for some summertime fun. Beach passes, amusement tickets and more are on sale. It’s a good time to secure a discount but also to give these items as gifts. (After you’ve bought your own beach badge, of course.) We may be wrapped up in winter but your gifts can be festooned akin to a summer's day. Here are some of the deals: • In Seaside Heights, Casino Pier is offering their popular Holiday Coupon Books. It is a more than $90 value for only $29.95. You get: 10 Ride Tickets; one all-day ticket to Breakwater Beach Waterpark; one Round-Trip Sky Ride ticket; one round…
Friday, February 25, 2011
Polar Bear Plunge is a huge event in Seaside on Saturday
Tomorrow, it will be the opposite of a disco inferno. Disco Infreezo will jump in the ocean. In fact, there will probably be several Santas, mustachioed men (and maybe some women), giant teddy bears and superheroes, and thousands more will join them, at the annual Polar Bear Plunge in Seaside Heights on Saturday, tomorrow. Teams have been raising money for months, in what is both a large scale charity event for the Special Olympics, a giant party and a chance for thrill seekers to brave the February waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Approximately four thousand took the plunge last year, many in elaborate costumes — including a big, teeth-chattering grin. Disco Infreezo, one of many members of the “Kool Nutz” team raising money (a total $18,…
Dame Bridgid
4:58 pm on Sunday, February 24, 2013
Brrrrr, I just have to say this. Your hearts must be the warmest ones I have ever seen! Lots of Popsicles (Momsicles, Brosicles, Sisicles, & Friendsicles, ect.). Well done! Three cheers for these hearty "Polar Bears"!!! more ›