By Julia Train
Brigantine’s 16th and 17th street beaches were packed on New Year’s Day in Brigantine. The Brigantine Polar Bears, a nonprofit on the island, held its 25th Polar Bear Plunge on New Year’s Day. In January 2000, a group of 25 patrons of the now closed Rod & Reel decided to take a dip in the Atlantic Ocean on New Year’s Day. Each year, that number grew, forming the organization and bringing in now 5,0000 people attending the event and 2,000 taking the plunge. Attendees were either bundled up, in costumes or wearing bathing suits and sandals. The plunge itself kicked off at noon after a veterans ceremony at 11 a.m. and a costume parade/contest.
The annual event is free but merchandise, which the group calls BearWear, is sold to benefit Fisher House, a Maryland-based organization that provides free housing and support to families of veterans undergoing medical treatment.
Julia is a recent Rider University graduate, where she studied multiplatform journalism and social media strategies. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, trying new coffee shops, photography and the beach. She can be reached at juliatrainmedia@gmail.com or connect with her on Instagram @juliatrain
