rThe free winter festival surrounding the MSP Polar Bear Plunge – has something for everyone in 2011, offering six different Zones of frigid fun that allow festival-goers to choose their Plunge Day experience on Saturday, January 29 at Sandy Point State Park.
Highlights of this expanded festival, which runs from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Jan. 29, include an appearance by DJ Pauly D – of MTV’s Jersey Shore – who will be headlining the Rams Head Ice Lodge, which is returning for its second year; the new Chesapeake Bayhawks Arctic Lacrosse Zone, featuring autograph sessions and demos; Mickey Harris’ Monster Garage, where renowned air ush artist Mickey Harris will transform a HD Street Glide into a masterpiece and even the Robert Andrews Tuscan Spa Retreat, with haircuts, massages and more.
Details from each of the zones of frigid fun are:
Mickey Harris Monster Garage: Internationally renowned air ush artist Mickey Harris will custom paint a 2011 Harley-Davidson Street Glide, donated by Harley Davidson of Annapolis. Watch as he and Straight Line Autobody transform this Street Glide into a work of art!
Rams Head Ice Lodge: Headliner DJ Pauly D -- of MTV’s Jersey Shore fame -- will entertain the crowd from 12:30 to 4 PM, and a variety of local acts will round out this full day of entertainment. With food and non-alcoholic beverages for sale in the tent and an assortment of vendors, it’s a can’t-miss spot on Plunge Day.
Chesapeake Bayhawks Arctic Lacrosse Zone: Because not all Plungers are polar bears, the Bayhawks teamed up with Plunge organizers to create a tent full of all things lacrosse. With major national lacrosse ands represented, autograph signings by Bayhawks players, demos, and a presence by numerous youth lacrosse organizations, this zone is one-stop shopping for lacrosse players and fans.
Carnival FunFest: This popular festival tent is back for a 4th year, with a fantastic kids’ area, boardwalk-style carnival games, a variety of food vendors, crafters and other displays.
Pure Boardshop's X-Games Tent: It’s X-Games on the Bay! Pure Boardshop is helping to create an unforgettable experience in this and-new Plunge venue, which includes Maryland’s best skate shops and their associated rider doing demos, the Banshee Bungee from Jackass 3D and awesome giveaways.
Robert Andrews Tuscan Spa Retreat: Who doesn’t need a little pampering now and then? Robert Andrews Salon & Spa is offering a multitude of services at the Plunge, with all proceeds benefiting SOMD. This includes mini-consultations with Dr. Jeffrey Horowitz, a board certified plastic surgeon, Micro Derma asion with Dr. Stacey Tieff, 10-minute mini massages, hair cuts, hand dips, teeth whitening and lip treatments. A variety of other vendors will also be inside this spa tent, all focused on beauty, fitness, health and wellness.
Admission to all PlungeFest activities is absolutely free to Plunge participants and spectators alike. Polar Express shuttle buses are also available at no cost, traveling to and from Sandy Point State Park from the Naval Academy Stadium, Anne Arundel Community College and Kent Island High School on the Eastern Shore.
The day-long festival also includes fan favorites like the spirited costume contest, a live remote by 98 Rock, the early morning Plunge by talent from WBAL-TV11, 98 Rock and WBAL-AM, and an animal display by the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, among others. Ravens QB Joe Flacco is the Honorary Co-Chairman of the event, and is scheduled to participate (participation depends upon the Raven’s continued success in the playoff run). Governor O’Malley and Katie O’Malley are also planning to take the Plunge.
Those wishing to participate in the Plunge can do so at either 1 p.m. or 3 p.m. and need only contribute $50 in pledges. For that donation, all participants will receive a commemorative event sweatshirt and photo gift. Online registration is available at plungemd.com.
Anyone wishing for a more up-close and personal experience with either DJ Pauly D or Ravens QB Joe Flacco (or both) can consider the Ultimate VIP Package, which, for a $500 contribution earns the donor a Meet & Greet with Pauly D, and for $1,000 with both Pauly D and Flacco.
The MSP Polar Bear Plunge has raised over $16 million for Special Olympics Maryland in its 14-year history, and nearly 60,000 people have aved the bitter waters of the Chesapeake Bay. This year marks the 15-year anniversary of this cele ated event, and organizers expect as many as 12,000 men, women and children to once again grin and “bear” it for the athletes of Special Olympics. The 2nd Annual Frigid Friday event – a Plunge exclusively for school teams – is also taking place at Sandy Point on Friday, January 28.
