More than 12,000 people of all ages are expected to brave the cold and take the plunge into the icy Chesapeake Bay waters surrounding Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis on Jan. 29 for the annual Maryland Polar Bear Plunge.
The charity event is sponsored by the Maryland State Police to raise money for Special Olympics Maryland. Since it kicked off in 1997, more than 60,000 people have taken the chilling plunge with more than $16 million being raised for the state’s Special Olympics organization.
The plunge is an all-day event, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m, During the plunge, participants and observers can enjoy music played by a MTV’s ‘Jersey Shore’ DJ Pauly D, food, games and other activities. This year, there will also be: a women’s spa tent, with free spa treatments provided by the Robert Andrews Tuscan Spa Retreat; Pure Boardshop’s X-Games adventure tent; internationally-known airbrush artist Mickey Harris will custom paint a 2011 Harley-Davidson motorcycle; Chesapeake Bayhawks autograph signings; and arts, crafts, and giveaways. Additionally, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco is expected to make an appearance.
The mass plunges will take place at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Plungers must have at least $50 in pledges to participate but the free event is open to all spectators. Participants receive a Polar Bear Plunge sweatshirt and a photo.
Participants can still call 800-541-7544 x-503 to preregister or online at www.plungemd.com. On-site registration will start at 8 a.m. the day of the event.
Because there is no general parking at Sandy Point, participants and spectators are encouraged to use the free shuttle buses that will run throughout the event from the Naval Academy Stadium, Anne Arundel Community College and Kent Island High School, starting at 7:30 a.m.
Sandy Point State Park is located off routes 50 and 301 (exit 32) on the west side of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.
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