Maryland Polar Bear Plunge at Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis is a charity event sponsored by the Maryland State Police in support of Special Olympics. Every January, thousands of participants of all ages dare to take a dip in the winter waters of the Chesapeake Bay. In addition to the Plunges, attendees enjoy the Carnival FunFest with games, Astro Events Kids Zone, Rams Head Ice Lodge and Beer Garden, food and other exhibits. The event has become so popular that it has been expanded to two days.
See photos of the Maryland polar bear dive
Dates, times and details of the event
January 25-27, 2018
Thursday January 25
Cool Schools Immersion: School groups will go on a diving excursion together to raise money for Special Olympics, supporting children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
Friday, january 26
Police, Army and Fire / EMS Falls – All Day Service Men and Women Dive into the Chilly Waters of the Chesapeake Bay
Super Plunge: a series of 24 dives in 24 hours starting at 10 am
Corporate Dive – Challenge your co-workers to take the plunge with you. Happy hour starts at 5pm to build your courage.
Saturday January 27
Pee Wee and Family Plunge: Divers will take a quick dip in the bay starting at 11 a.m.
Main Dive – Largest Dive takes place at 1 pm Line up at 12:30 pm to claim your spot in the Dive Zone.
Main Plunge 2 – Round 2. Make sure to get to the beach before 2:30 pm to claim your spot in the Plunge area.
Registration: A minimum of $ 75 in pledges (or as a personal donation) is required to participate in the Maryland Polar Bear Plunge, but spectators and festival goers can attend for free. All participants receive a commemorative Plunge sweatshirt and photo gift. You can pre-register online or by calling (800) 541-7544 x503.
Location
Sandy Point State Park is located on the west side of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, off US Routes 50/301 at Exit 32.
Transportation and parking
General parking is not available at Sandy Point State Park. Participants and spectators are encouraged to travel to Sandy Point by bus or by taking advantage of the free bus system that will run continuous routes throughout the day from Naval Academy Stadium, Anne Arundel Community College and Kent Island High School. Transfers will take place from 7:30 am to 5 pm
Festival Polar Plunge Festival and Featured Entertainment
- Rams Head Ice Lodge and Beer Garden – Eastern Shore’s favorite band Hot Tub Limo, the main cover band, The Amish Outlaws and the Celtic sounds of The Rovers will entertain the crowd with a DJ set before and after Plunge, and a variety of other acts will provide a full day of entertainment.
- Carnival FunFest – Children’s area includes boardwalk-style carnival games, a variety of food vendors, artisans, and other exhibits.
- Robert Andrews Spa & Salon: A variety of vendors will be inside the spa tent, focusing on beauty, fitness, health and wellness. Attendees can get a variety of spa treatments on-site, including a massage, paraffin bath, microdermabrasion, or teeth whitening.
Famous plungers
Maryland Polar Bear Plunge has become popular with local celebrities and politicians. Notable participants in past events include Governor Martin O’Malley; former Baltimore Ravens assistant head coach Rex Ryan; Ravens players Adam Terry – OT, and Haloti Ngata – DT; Orioles Hall of Fame BJ Surhoff; the ex-crow Edwin Mulitalo; Jennifer Franciotti of WBAL-TV, Sandra Shaw, Deb Weiner and Rob Roblin, among others; 98 Rock’s Mickey, Amelia & Spiegel Morning Show, Stash, Theo and Sarah “The Queen” Fleisher; former Governor Robert Ehrlich; and numerous legislators and business and community leaders.
Website: somd.convio.net
Special Olympics Maryland is a year-round athletic organization dedicated to providing quality athletic training and competitive opportunities to Maryland children and adults with closely related intellectual and / or developmental disabilities. The organization currently serves 10,000 athletes statewide and offers 28 sports, all at no cost to the athletes or their families. For more information, visit www.somd.org or call 410-789-6677 x117.
See more Polar dives in Maryland and Virginia
For information on more upcoming events in the area, check out the Annapolis Top Events Calendar
