As you know, it's January, and most people in Maryland are planning to be curled up by the fire next Saturday, January 26th, playing video games or watching some college basketball. But heck, why not bundle up and head out to Sandy Point State Park in Anne Arundel County for the Boardwalk-themed Winter Festival. Where else can you enjoy live pig-racing action, a 20-ton sand sculpture being crafted as you watch, and even an "Early Bear Plunge for those who love to Plunge but don't love to wait."
Yep, I'm talking about the 12th annual Polar Bear Plunge (Brrrrrrrrr) in the icy waters of the Chesapeake Bay, to benefit Special Olympics Maryland. All it takes to be a part of the 2008 MSP Plunge experience is more guts than brains and $50 in pledges. Sponsors say this is "the coolest event of the year!"
Of course, some folks aren't satisfied just to participate - you know, the "Type A" personalities... the ones who never do anything halfway at work or play. These are The Few. The Proud. (and come Saturday, they are ) The Frozen. These are the Super Plungers, who brave both the elements and the Chesapeake Bay, taking one chilly dip after another for 24 hours straight. (Can you imagine? It makes me shiver just to think about one dip!)
The event is sponsored by the Maryland State Police (MSP), Comcast, WBAL, The Baltimore Sun, FedEx, Merritt Athletic Clubs, Frank Gumpert Printing, Grauls, CVS Pharmacy, and a long list of other sponsors that goes on and on.
If you plan to watch (or plunge), and it gets too cold, you can always retreat to the heated tent that will house (drum roll, please) Bunky's Beach Party. That's where you'll find live music, a variety of vendors and crafters, the Astro Events Fun Zone just for kids, Plunge souvenirs, and refreshments. Admission is free for Plungers and spectators alike, so you can't beat the price.
Please, don't ask - I have NO plans of plunging, and probably not even watching. But I want to make sure you know all about it, in case you're going to be anywhere near Anne Arundel County, next weekend, and would like to Plunge or watch! For more information, including the day's complete schedule and a registration or sponsorship form, visit the official MSP Polar Bear Plunge website today.
P.S. Total donations, with a week to go, total $1,179,587.62.
__________________
____________________
Relocating to the Baltimore-Washington area? Check out Your Relocation Package for Anne Arundel County, Maryland.
Find a Home and learn about Real Estate Market Conditions in Odenton and Anne Arundel County, Maryland. Check out Today's Rates, use the free Mortgage Calculator, and watch a brief video about the Power of RE/MAX. These consumer-friendly real estate tools are provided by Margaret Woda for you to use at your own pace.
When you're ready to go from "just browsing" to "let's get serious", contact Margaret online or call her at RE/MAX Vision in Crofton Maryland. 410-451-1900
Helping Maryland home buyers, sellers and military transferees in the Baltimore/Annapolis/D.C. triangle – specializing in Anne Arundel County and nearby Howard and Prince George's Counties.
Public Gardens Outside the Naval Academy Gates
Women In History Month - A Salute to Maryland Women
Jo Soss Wins Again in Week 2 of Military Relocation Contest
Real Estate Market Study February 2008 - Gambrills, MD (21054)
The VALUE I Bring to Your Home Sale, Mr. Seller...
Jo Soss Wins Week One in Military Relocation Contest
Tenants Faced With Foreclosure - Lives Turned Upside Down
Higher Education - What to Expect When You Live in Anne Arundel County, Maryland
ActiveRain Corp. is not responsible for the accuracy of the site's content (which is written by members of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network) and does not endorse the views of the real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and others listed here.
Powered by the ActiveRain Real Estate Network
© 2008 ActiveRain Corp. All Rights Reserved
Margaret - I must admit, this is one thing that I could not do. I don't even do well in super-cold air, much less water.
Come on Jason.........it's just mind over matter.......although my mind dare not try to wrestle with that ice cold matter!!
I would totally watch though.........assuming I had my thermal gear all in place. Great regional information post Margaret!!
Hi, Margaret. What a great post. It sounds like a fun event... but if you really want to see what a true polar bear plunge is like... come see us. We may have to saw a hole in the river to get the players in it, but if you're willing... we'll make it happen. :)
Pig racing - well that has me sold! Sounds like a wonderful community event!
I love the polar bear club...I used to watch them on TV when I lived in NY. When they took the plunge I was tempted to try it but I think I'll just stay here in FL where my water is not as chilly.
Neal - I think it would be fun to watch, but... Who knows, I may go next week just to follow up and take some photos. It could happen, if it's not too cold out. lol.
Todd & Danielle Miller - Yes, that's a new one on me. Now pig-her thing
Jesse & Kathy - 'Don't think I'd ever go out the door, if I lived there. I'd be a hermit
Bob - Glad you like it! I had fun writing it - can you tell?
Jason - That's exactly why I love Austin! Well, one of the reasons.
Speaking of the Chesapeake Bay and cold... I'm heading out the door and across the Bay to Ocean City in a few minutes for a long computer-less weekend. See you guys next week sometime!
BRRRRR. Just reading this made me shiver. But we need the few brave and crazy souls to make these events the fun that they are.
Hi Margaret,
The heated tent beach party sounds great. The "plunge" is not for me but sure am happy there are those brave souls willing to participate and help raise the money for this worthy charity.
Margaret, WOW....I have known about this, but getting the details is amazing. Nice writing and very entertaining. Thanks for the good morning treat! I have a smile on my face. See you soon!
Margaret, what I great fundraising idea.....not taking the plunge though huh? LOL...I can't say I blame you. I'd like to watch but "no way jose" !
Colleen
I don't think this guy will be taking the plunge this year. What do you think? The hairs on my arms stand on end just thinking about it. Incredible #'s on the donations. Have a great weekend!
Margaret,
What a great event for such a great cause!!! Is there a 'virtual plunge' event for the more timid!!! Thanks, Fran
Margaret this is a great event to watch, but I for one could not participate, lol.
Kudos to those participating! That's a great cause. I would (wink, wink) participate if I was there!
Margaret: I know I would not take the plunge but I think it would be fun to watch the event. I've seen things like this in the news and I just walk away shaking my head.
i can't make it to merryland so would it be okay if i just plunged in the gulf.
don't worry i'll make sure i have some sun block on.
I think I am ready for the plung after deaing with more than 54 inches of snow this year! -- On the other hand, maybe I'll take a pass and just watch on TV. This sounds like a great event.
sounds like a blast - except for the plunge - brrr is right - what a great photo
Margaret- WoW, sounds like COLD! No FREEZING! I would not do it, we don't even jump in our pool unless it is 80 degrees in the water and that is with the sun shining hot! Katerina
Margaret - Don't ask is right- I get chilled just staying indoors and watching the river at the back freeze over.
EXPOSE YOURSELF Brrrrrr
Margaret This post was written by me last year and I still say Brrrrr!!
Margaret, so THIS is where all of those crazy people jump in the icy cold water????? I've seen it televised a few times, or at least a short blurb. Will you be one of "those" getting in for a swim?
Margaret - Brrrrrrrrrrr!!! The tent sounds like a great place to hang out while the idiots are doing their thing!
Margaret we have the Polar Bear plunge in Delaware as well. www.rehobothbeach.com for details I know its coming up. I also heard about a 13 year old boy who goes in the water every 1 hr complete submerges himself to raise even more money. Crazy I have never done it but I have certainly attended to watch others. BRRRRR Its a great community event bringing people together for a great cause.
Katie - Do they go in the Ocean? That's even worsee than the Chesapeake, I suspect! I had a view of the ocean from my room this weekend, and I didn't have the guts to even go out, all bundled for the cold, to take a walk on the boardwalk. lol.
Tom - As I drove back across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge today from my weekend at Ocean City, I saw that the tent is up already, just waiting for us.
Teri - You won't find me in a bathing suit in July, let alone January! I'm definately a "has been" when it comes to htat.
Margaret - Yes, the mere thought of this is chilling!
Kathy - Fun to write about, to read about, and to watch on T.V....
Nestor & Katerina - I'm with you... 80 degrees PLUS
Thesa - You know, I'm tempted to go watch. I'll let you know!
Joan - 54 inches?!?!? Real estate must not be a year-round job there?
Jay - That sounds a lot more enjoyable, but how much could a plunge into the Bay raise for Special Olympics?
Cindy, You're right. Someone has to do it! :)
Cynthia, If I go, you can be sure, I'll spend a lot of time in that tent!
Jeanann - Thanks, the organizers of the event made it easy to write something entertaining by planning such fun events around the actual plunge.
Colleen, You know there are people wo do this every year!
Julie - Your picture is great! Thanks.
David and Kristin - Maybe you could fit it into your schedule next year!
Fran - No, but that's a wonderful idea! We'll have to propose it to the organizers.
Linda - I'll be right there beside you!
Donna - If I actually go, I'll post the photos next week. But I'm not making any promises.
Thanks all for your comments! I'm pleasantly surprised to see a Localism post attract so much interest. It may even be enough to make me consider going to WATCH. (I apologize, if I missed anyone!)
Margaret, it sounds like a really good cause but I just came back from visiting my daughter in New York City and it was brrrrrrrrrr cold. I can't even imagine taking a plunge like that.
Marchel - I'm with you. It may even be too cold to go watch!