It’s THE event of winter and it is back for the fourteenth year with more chills and thrills than ever. It’s Plungapalooza 2010 featuring the Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge and it is all happening Jan. 30 at Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis.
With a $4 million fundraising goal, an expected 15,000 Plunge participants – including Ravens QB Joe Flacco, a brand-new ‘Frigid Friday’ Plunge that is exclusive to school teams, the 80’s themed Rams Head Ice Lodge, an entertainment tent featuring live music and beer and wine for sale; a new incentive program that includes a Carnival Cruise; and a bigger and better festival, organizers are optimistic that the event will continue to grow in popularity in 2010 despite the still-challenging economic climate.
Registration for the MSP Polar Bear Plunge opens at 8 a.m. on Jan. 30, and mass Plunges will take place at both 1 and 3 p.m. Plungers need only raise a minimum of $50 in pledges in order to be a part of the fun. Participants receive a commemorative Plunge sweatshirt, lunch courtesy of new Plunge sponsor The Greene Turtle, and a photo gift. Additional event premiums are available for those raising $500 and above. Those wishing to participate may register online at www.plungemd.com or call 1-800-541-7544 x503.
Frigid Friday
In response to the increase in participation by the youth community, the 2010 event will include a special ‘Frigid Friday’ Plunge on Jan. 29, that is exclusive to school teams who are signed on under the Cool Schools promotion. The Cool Schools Campaign is a school team challenge that includes special incentives for school teams, as well as special awards to the top overall fundraising school and the top schools in a variety of divisions.
Rams Head Ice Lodge
For the first time ever, the full-day event will feature a dedicated entertainment tent with live music all day long and a beer garden, hosted by Entertainment Partner Rams Head. All are welcome to stop in to the 80’s themed tent and enjoy free live music beginning at 8 a.m., including a set by East Coast’s premier 80’s cover band, The Reagan Years, among others.
Plungapalooza 2010
The event has grown into a ‘can’t-miss’ spectacle that includes much more than just the Plunge. Plungers and spectators alike are invited to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the boardwalk-themed festival tent – a huge, heated tent located on the grounds of Sandy Point State Park. Attractions include boardwalk-style games and displays, local and national vendors, live music and other entertainment, event merchandise sales, a Plunge Food Court, sandcastle building, ice carvings, wood carvings and a special area just for the kids with games, inflatables, face painting and more.
The Plunge Phenomenon
Whatever the reason, this chilly charity event has become one of the top fundraisers in Maryland, earning more than $3 million for Special Olympics Maryland in 2009 thanks to the 11,000 participants of all ages who were daring enough to take a dip in the wintry waters of the Chesapeake Bay – this despite the national recession.
There is NO general parking available at Sandy Point State Park in 2010. Participants and spectators alike are encouraged to travel to Sandy Point via bus for more information contact plunge@somd.org or call (410) 789-6677.
