Just two more days until Hanukkah begins. On Sunday, December 22nd, you’ll want to make plans to visit the Chabad Chai Center right here in Margate for the Community Menorah Lighting and Great Gelt Drop at 4:30 pm. Only five days until Christmas Day. Have you made it to Smithville or Atlantic City for their holiday light shows yet? You’d better hurry. Only a few days left for both. In 11 days, we say goodbye to 2019 altogether. Dive right into the new year with gusto by participating in the Margate Polar Bear Plunge 2020.
What: Margate Polar Bear Plunge 2020
Where: Essex Ave
When: 12 pm
Contact: Robert’s Place (609) 823-5050
Margate Polar Bear Plunge 2020
For most people, health lands somewhere among the top three spots on their resolutions list. If you plan on focusing on your health in 2020, the Polar Bear Plunge offers a fun and interesting way to start. This marks the 26th year that Robert’s Place hosted this bone-chilling experience in our fair city. The event begins with a gathering at Robert’s Place on Atlantic Ave. Doors open there at 8 am. Then, at noon, everyone participating in the Polar Bear Plunge makes their way out to the beach. Once there, they doff their duds (bathing suits only, please) and dip themselves in the icy cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
Polar Bear Plunge Origin Story
Canadians traditionally mark the new year with a “Polar Bear Swim” (ie, plunge, dip, what have you). Approximately 10,000 people trek to the seaside town of Scheveningen for a New Year’s dip. New Zealand’s cold weather takes place during our summer months. So their Polar Plunge typically takes place on whichever weekend happens to land closest to Summer Solstice (the shortest day of the year there). The first recorded incidence of a Polar Bear Plunge anywhere actually happened right here in the United States. While better known for their tea party, Boston recorded the first ever Polar Bear Swim in 1904. It seems that they like throwing parties in their waters! This frosty affair quickly gathered momentum around the US and is now celebrated all across the country each year.
Keep an Eye Out for Turtles
Another reminder about our sweet little turtles. The weather’s getting colder and colder every day. You may see “cold-stunned” turtles along the beach. This happens sometimes. If you spot one of these poor little creatures while out on the beach, leave them alone. Even if you think it might be dead. Touching them when they are in this condition could actually kill them. The best thing to do instead is to call NOAA at (609) 266-0538 right away. Program that number into your phone right now so you always have it on the ready. They know how to carefully handle turtles in this situation safely and professionally.
From my family to yours, we wish you all a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah (Chag Urim Sameach), Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year!
Sherri Lilienfeld, Apex Prime Realty, Your Source for Jersey Shore Real Estate