By Andrew DeCredico
It’s early February and Sea Isle City has a big event coming up, The Polar Bear Plunge. This event was originally an event where locals would have a few drinks and jump in the water, but in recent years has transformed into much more. Falling on February 16th through 19th this year, the crowds and excitement of the plunge are likened to Fourth of July weekend, except in the middle of winter.
Over recent years, the event has shifted from an adult weekend, to an event for the whole family. On Friday evening, the town crowns a young prince and princess for the event, as well as a king and queen. There will be entertainment at multiple venues throughout town, including, but not limited to, Kix McNutley’s, La Costa, and Excursion Park.
With all of the fun going on, the town will be estimated to have forty to fifty thousand people enjoying the weekend festivities. While that all sounds like average numbers for any summer day, the middle of February is no summer day. Sea Isle News caught up with a few business owners and operators to see how people were preparing for the weekend.
Lenny Desiderio, owner of Kix McNutley’s and mayor of Sea Isle City, knows the event will be another success, and said he was preparing his business for a weekend similar to any summer weekend. With live music playing on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night, Desiderio is sure that the town will be filled with happy people all weekend long.
Having 50 thousand more people in an other wise quiet time of year has its perks though. Hotels and houses on the island are booking fast for the weekend, with most already being filled. Many people wishing to come down for the weekend have already began booking rooms and houses in neighboring islands or inland.
With Valentines day falling on Tuesday leading up to the plunge, many businesses have decided to open their doors for the whole week before the event. One such business is A Modo Mio. The restaurant will be open on Valentines day Tuesday, as well as the days leading up to plunge weekend. With Valentines Day specials, and a discount before 5PM and after 9PM tables at A Modo Mio are expected to be filling up fast.
La Fontana will also be open during the event and looking to make hungry customers happy. With the timing of the event, a lot of businesses are calling summer employees in for the weekend. The warm weather and clear forecast mean that patrons will be coming to Sea Isle for the weekend, and looking to have a nice dinner out of the house.
Sticking to the family friendly fundraising that this weekend has become known for, Sunday morning will have a “Polar Bear 5k Run/Walk for Autism” with all of the proceeds benefiting Autism Speaks, Special Service Schools, Autism Support Groups, and Families of Special Needs Children.
After the run/walk, what better way to refuel than with a nice meal at Steak Out The Place for Breakfast and Lunch. Located between 40th street and John F. Kennedy Blvd on Landis Ave. Steak Out has been a favorite of locals for years. All staffed up, and ordering food to be ready for Plunge weekend, owner and operator Jason Pellegrini claims that he is “looking forward to the warmer temperatures this weekend.”
With sunnier skies in the forecast, the towns businesses are preparing for a great weekend. Big top tents are being delivered and set up to add additional event space, restaurants are firing up their equipment, and owners are making their last calls to employees to ensure that this Polar Bear Plunge weekend is the best yet.
