Sea Isle City is the place to be during Presidents Day weekend, when thousands of visitors are expected once again to flock to the beach to experience the chilly thrill of the Polar Bear Plunge.
The full weekend of events, live entertainment and more starts on Friday, Feb. 14 with the Polar Bear Kings and Queens Reunion Party and concludes on Sunday, Feb. 16 with the Mike’s Seafood 5K Run/1-Mile Walk for Autism and the Polar Bear Cornhole Tournament.
The centerpiece attraction is the Polar Bear Plunge on Saturday, Feb. 15. It is preceded by the always entertaining costume contest.
“Spending Presidents Day weekend in Sea Isle City has become a tradition for so many families to enjoy all of the Polar Bear Plunge festivities, and this year is no exception,” said Jimmy Bennett, the event organizer. “We are looking forward to hosting the thousands of visitors for a weekend of fun as we kick off the 2020 season in Sea Isle City.”
The Polar Bear Kings and Queens Reunion Party that starts it all will be held from 7-9 p.m. Friday at the LaCosta Lounge Deck Bar, where partiers can dance and sing along with The Insiders Band. There will be a buffet provided by Mike’s Seafood and Dock Restaurant, and past Polar Bear Kings and Queens will be honored for raising funds and promoting autism awareness.
On Saturday, registered plungers will have a chance to showcase their creativity during the Polar Bear Costume Contest at 10 a.m. at the LaCosta main tent. Contestants can register as small, medium or large groups for the contest online at www.lacosta-seaisle.com.
Registration will also be available the day of the event at 9 a.m. under the main tent. Contestants are reminded to keep all costumes tasteful. The event organizers reserve the right to deny entry to the contest. Winners will be announced at 2:30 p.m.
Day-of plunge registrations and pre-registration pickup will take place on Saturday from 7-11:45 a.m. in the tent outside of LaCosta.
The cost of the plunge is $25. Proceeds benefit the Sea Isle City Chamber of Commerce and Revitalization and its 2020 events.
Plungers must be at least 12 years old. All registered plungers will receive a wristband and a T-shirt (while supplies last). The official time of the Polar Bear Plunge is from noon to 12:15 p.m., and the official plunge location is from 38th to 40th Street. Medical assistance and ocean-rescue personnel will be on site.
The fun continues Sunday with the 12th annual Mike’s Seafood Polar Bear Run-Walk for Autism, which starts at noon at JFK Boulevard and the Promenade.
Registration and pre-registration pickup will take place on Sunday from 9-11:30 a.m. under the main tent at LaCosta. After completing the race, celebrate back at LaCosta during the Post-Race Party with food, fun and entertainment for the whole family.
Proceeds from the Run-Walk benefit special services schools, autism support groups and families of special-needs children in Cape May and Atlantic counties.
Keep the party going Sunday with the fourth annual Polar Bear Cornhole Tournament. The cost is $60 per team. Check-in will begin at 2 p.m. and bags fly at 3 p.m. in the double-elimination tournament.
Players will compete for a chance to win cash prizes: $500 for first place, $250 for second place and $150 for third place.
There will be a hot buffet, courtesy of Mike’s Seafood and Dock Restaurant, and drink specials for all registered players. Teams may register online at www.lacosta-seaisle.com or www.polarbearrunwalkforautism.com. Proceeds will be presented to the Polar Bear Run/Walk for Autism.
Jitney service will be available Friday from 6 p.m. to 4 a.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 a.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. All metered parking is free. There are also several public parking lots available at 42nd Place and the bay, 45th and Landis Avenue, 45th-46th and Central Avenue (public school lot) and 94th and Landis.
Live entertainment will be provided all weekend at LaCosta, featuring The Insiders Band, Split Decision, The Rockets and more. Several businesses also plan to kick off the 2020 season and open their doors for this fun, festive weekend. Shop, dine, explore and more while you’re here and check out the list of which businesses are open and store specials before you arrive in town at www.seaislechamber.com/openforbusiness.
To register for the Polar Bear Plunge, go to www.lacosta-seaisle.com or www.seaislechamber.com. To register for the Mike’s Seafood Run/Walk for Autism or the Cornhole Tournament, go to www.polarbearrunwalkforautism.com.
