Plunging for a Special Cause at Sandy Point

Hard to believe, but one of the most popular events at Sandy Point State Park actually takes place in January, when entering the Bay waters is not only uncomfortable, it is downright shocking.

Broadneck residents should prepare for the traffic that will surely be coming our way for the Maryland State Police 15th annual Polar Bear Plunge benfitting Maryland Special Olympics, taking place Saturday, January 29. Last year, the event drew approximately 25,000 participants, and organizers expect that number to only go up.

The event has grown from a simple plunge into the cold waters to an all day event, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m, with the official “plunges” taking place at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. 

Here is a list of a variety of events and activities that will be available throughout the day.

▪                Rams Head is hosting the Rams Head Ice Lodge, with music and entertainment all day, including a special visit from MTV’s Jersey Shore DJ Pauly D. (There are a limited number of Ultimate Plunge VIP Packages to meet Pauly D during his performances between 12:30 p.m. and 4 p.m.)

▪                The Chesapeake Bayhawks are providing an Arctic Lacrosse Experience tent where players will be providing onsite demonstrations and signings and will be offerings opportunities to join them in plunging with Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco.

▪                Pure Boardshop, Vu Skateshop & Charm City Skatepark are offering a new demo area where you can meet and watch demos from skating professionals like Rodney Jones (scheduled to appear 10am-12pm). Their demo course will consist of a mini-quarter pipe, rail, 2 boxes and a jersey wall and they will provide open skate times for all riders. Giveaways will also include lift tickets to Ski Liberty, Roundtop & Whitetail, as well as snowboards, skateboards, and a surfboard.

▪                Noted airbrush artist Mickey Harris will have his own “Monster Garage” tent where he will custom-paint a 2011 Harley Davidson Street Glide, donated by Harley Davidson of Annapolis, and custom paint and refurbish a vintage 1938 Chevrolet pickup truck. A dozen of the world’s finest cars, trucks and motorcycles will also be on display. For a list of some of the vehicles, click here. 

▪                For the ladies in the crowd, Robert Andrew: The Salon & Spa will be featuring a spa treat on the premises, hair cuts, massages, plastic surgery consultation, teeth whitening and lip treatments. For a list of other vendors in the spa tent, click here. 

▪                Carnival Cruise Lines is sponsoring a Carnival Funfest heated festival tent, featuring attractions like Sandtastic’s sand sculpture, the Astro Events Family Fun Zone, and a variety of local entertainment acts and vendors. (By the way, a plunger who raises at least $3,500 will earn one free 7-day Carnival Cruise to the Bahamas aboard the Carnival Pride.)

Participants are required to raise a minimum of $50 in pledges (or provide a personal donation) and can pre-register by going to www.plungemd.com or register the day of by printing out a registration form.

For general information about the event, parking, etc., click here.

For those who are plunging for the first time, here are some tips.

For schools who wish to participate, the event offers the “Frigid Friday” Plunge, on Friday January 28. Registration opens at 10:30 a.m. and the Plunge will take place at noon. This event is is alcohol-free, and hosts a smaller crowd to make it easier for teachers and chaperones to manage large groups of students.