BEARS ON THE BEACH THIS WEEKEND

(ANNAPOLIS, MD) – Hibernating will be the last thing on the minds of thousands of ‘bears’ this weekend as they gather on the banks of the Chesapeake Bay for Maryland’s largest winter beach party.

Governor Martin O’Malley and State Police Superintendent Marcus Brown will lead thousands of ‘plungers’ into the wintry waters of the Chesapeake Bay this Saturday, January 28th, at Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis. The Plunge will undoubtedly raise goose bumps, but more importantly, will raise money that supports year-round sports training and competition for Maryland children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Governor O’Malley has participated in the Plunge each year he has been in office.

Although he has previously plunged, this will be Colonel Brown’s first plunge as Maryland State Police Superintendent. “I am excited to join Governor O’Malley and the thousands of other generous Marylanders who are willing to come out and support this important cause,” Colonel Brown said. “The success of this event is evidence of the generosity and concern of the people of our state. The men and women of the Maryland State Police are proud to join our law enforcement partners in support of the athletes of Special Olympics and are glad we can be a part of this unique experience.”

The 16th annual Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge for Special Olympics is part of Plungefest, set for this Friday and Saturday, January 27th and 28th. Friday morning about 50 “Super Plungers” will begin their quest to plunge once an hour for 24 hours. Each Super Plunger has committed to raise $10,000 for Special Olympics and the chance to jump in the Bay 24 times.

At 12:00 noon Friday, more than 3,000 teenagers from across Maryland will take to the beach as part of the third annual “Cool Schools Plunge.” High schools students have responded in a significant way to help support Special Olympics through their own Plunge.

A new event will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday that is only open to those who wear a badge and gun. The first Police Plunge will be held to give police officers who work weekends or who are helping at the Saturday Plunge to take part in the fun. Almost 400 Maryland police officers have already signed up for this event.

Saturday’s first plunge is also a new addition this year. The “Pee Wee Plunge” will be held at 11:00 a.m. for children eight and under and their families. Small pools will be on the beach for the kids, or they can jump into the Bay with their families without the crowded general plunges that can be a bit intimidating for young children. Senior citizens are welcome to plunge at this time as well.

General public plunges will be held Saturday at 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. Heated changing tents for men, women, and families will again be available right on the beach.

All that is asked of plungers is to raise a minimum of $50 in donations that can be pledged on-line, or brought to registration at the Plunge. To register and for a complete list of anything related to the Plunge, visit www.plungemd.com. Plungers can build their own webpage and sponsors can easily pledge support on-line with their credit cards.

Plungefest is a family event with no admission fee and you don’t have to plunge to enjoy the fun. The Carnival Funfest tent will turn the beach into the Ocean City boardwalk filled with food and merchandise vendors, displays, and unique sights, like the 40-ton sand sculpture back by popular demand this year.

The Rams Head Ice Lodge tent will feature live bands all day long. Popular headliner band Fuel will play Saturday afternoon.

Outside there will be plenty of action and activities to keep spectators busy. The costume contest, a chainsaw carving artisan, real race horses and jockeys, police and military displays, and lots of unusual sights will all be free and fun to see.

There will be no general parking at Sandy Point State Park again this year. Only those with parking passes already distributed due to support amounts raised will be permitted entry to the park in their vehicles. All other participants or spectators are asked to park at shuttle lots located at Navy-Marine Corps Stadium, Anne Arundel Community College, or the Kent Island High School. Shuttle buses will quickly, effortlessly, and warmly transport plungers from their car to the beach and back again. Pick up spots will be clearly marked and staff will be on-hand in the shuttle lots and at the beach to answer questions and help people make connections.

In addition to the support raised by thousands of participants, donations by corporate partners significantly contribute to the success of Plungefest. This year’s corporate partners include Aerotek, Sam’s Club, WBAL TV, 98Rock, WBAL AM, The Council of Baltimore Ravens Roosts, Comcast, Bingo World, Annapolis Harley-Davidson, Rams Head Live!, and Constellation Energy.

Plungefest, featuring the Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge, is part of the Maryland Law Enforcement Torch Run program. This program includes police officers, correctional officers, parole and probation officers, and federal agents who work together throughout the year to conduct special events that raise money to support Special Olympics, which is the adopted charity of law enforcement worldwide. Maryland’s Law Enforcement Torch Run has been the most successful fundraising program in the world for the past four years.