Cool off for a cause
Photo courtesy Maryland Special Olympics
by Cheryl Keffer
news@timesheraldnews.com
What do Ravens fans do once the football season’s over? Some go galloping off into the sunset, so to speak, while others gallop off into the Chesapeake Bay.
But don’t worry – they come right back out again.
It’s an annual thing now for members of area Ravens Roosts to participate in the Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge that benefits Special Olympics.
The Roosts have played along for five years and so far have raised more than $265,000 (more than $100,000 last year alone).
This year’s event, to be held Saturday, January 26 at Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis, features two plunges – one at noon and another at 3 p.m. – along with a heated tent of festive activities, dubbed “Bunky’s Beach Party.”
Ostensibly named after Dundalk resident and recent lottery winner Bunky Bartlett (who donated $200,000 of his winnings to Special Olympics as seen in a promo for the event), the festival will include music, food, displays, a sand sculpture, and the Polar Porker 500 – “live pig-racing action,” according to the event Web site.
All the events are free and open to the public.
Unless you plan on getting up very early, organizers don’t recommend trying to park at Sandy Point. Free shuttle service starts at 8 a.m. and will allow for spectators and participants to park at the Naval Academy Stadium or Anne Arundel Community College (or Kent Island High School, if you happen to be coming from the Eastern Shore that day). Large signs along Route 50 will direct drivers to parking areas.
Registration for plungers starts at 9 a.m. (Or you can pre-register online at www.plungemd.org.) Either way, plan on catching a shuttle at least a half-hour before your desired plunge. A minimum pledge of $50 is all that’s required to be a plunger – that and going into the water at least a little. (According to the event Web site, plunging can range from a dipping of toes to a chest-deep wade. The only suggestion organizers make is to not go in deeper – it’ll take your breath away.)
The event is also open to all ages. Parents or guardians must sign a permission form for those under 18.
Last year, the Plunge raised more than $2 million for the more than 10,000 athletes around the state that Special Olympics helps to train and compete. A record 31 Roosts participated, sending members of the football fan club into the not-quite-frozen waters in exchange for pledges and donations.
Ravens Roosts Plunge committee chairman Dan Herr, of Perry Hall Roost #60, will be a “Super Plunger” this year – he’s planning to be one among 24 who will relay plunge throughout a 24-hour period.
“It’s fun competition,” Herr said last year of the rivalry between Roosts.
Previous years’ plungers have found the water to be anywhere from somewhat comfortable (last year’s high 30s) to downright icy – a few years ago participants received cuts and scrapes from ice. Yes, ice. It snowed for a while that day, too.
And yet, people were out there in their t-shirts, swim trunks, and bathing suits.
Sound crazy? They know it does.
A volunteer paramedic with Kingsville and Jacksonville fire companies said last year that she’s inspired to participate because of a family member with special needs.
That, and well, “we’re crazy,” Ashley Adams said before taking her third plunge in about four years. (One thing that’ll keep people out is illness – if they heed a doctor’s warning.)
This year, organizers plan to enforce the state’s open containers and public intoxication laws, so another thing that will keep some people out of the water – and possibly out of the event – is the no alcohol policy. Tailgating is still allowed and encouraged as long as it’s “responsible,” according to the Web site.
The same goes for costumes.
Plungers are allowed to wear anything except wetsuits into the water, so some go all out Halloween-style with themed costumes (Roost 86 from Edgemere last year portrayed Snow White and her seven dwarves – with a few princes and queens adding to the fray), while others opted for the matching bra and panty set (most often men). This year they’ll work on policing that as well and anything deemed too naughty will be out. It is a family-oriented event after all.
Note: Plunge participants take a quick dip in the Chesapeake Bay to raise funds for Special Olympics Maryland, Saturday, January 26. Anyone can participate! (Under 18 requires parent or guardian signature.) With just $50 in pledges, plungers automatically get the official Polar Bear Plunge Sweatshirt, lunch, a group photo, and bragging rights over all the people who couldn’t bear it. The event is open to the public, and all spectators are welcome free of charge. All proceeds benefit Special Olympics Maryland. Visit www.plungemd.org.