Like the paraphrasing of the title of an old Sinatra standard, the frigid water beckoned. “Come plunge with us,” read the message board entering North Beach. For nearly 20 New Year’s days the bayside town has been the venue for winter insanity.
The 2014 North Beach Polar Bear Plunge was, by all accounts, a splashing success. Hundreds of temporarily crazed individuals of all ages, sizes and shapes, shed most of their clothes for the early afternoon dip. Hundreds more stood safely bundled up along the boardwalk and piers to gaze in bewilderment at the insanity.
North Beach Mayor Mark Frazer announced the pre-plunge water temperature was 37 degrees. With brisk winds added for good measure, those who signed waivers promising not to take town officials to court were ready for a winter cleansing.
Four members of the North Beach Town Council—Greg Dotson, Mike Benton, Greg McNeill and Ken Wilcox— accompanied the crowd into the Chesapeake.
As was the case last year, the registration fee was optional. Those who paid the fee received an event T-shirt and a personalized participant certificate. Proceeds will benefit the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com
