PHENOMENAL PURPLE PASSION PLUNGE PEP-PARTY PLANNED

(ANNAPOLIS, MD) – To celebrate the amazing Baltimore Ravens, a founding sports partner of the Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge, this Saturday’s 17th annual Plunge is being turned into the world’s largest and most unique Purple Passion Pep-Party that will include plunging Ravens cheerleaders and band members, as well as lots of spirit as we raise money for the athletes of Special Olympics and cheer the Ravens on to victory in the Super Bowl.

In cooperation with the Baltimore Ravens, Plungefest planners have arranged for a visit from the Ravens caravan at the Plunge. The caravan includes Ravens cheerleaders, members of the Ravens Marching Band, Poe, give-aways and lots of purple pom-poms and purple painted people. A purple ‘Ravens’ tent on the beach will serve as headquarters for the World’s Largest Purple Pep Party and will be the place for fans to enter to win a 60” color television. Second prize will be tickets to the Ravens first home game next season.

The 17th annual Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge for Special Olympics is part of Plungefest, set for this Friday and Saturday, January 25th and 26th, at Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis. Friday morning, about 50 “Super Plungers,” each of whom pledged to raise $10,000, will begin their quest to plunge into the Bay once an hour for 24 hours. At noon Friday, thousands of high school students will hit the beach for the fourth annual “Cool Schools Plunge.” Hundreds of police officers will assemble at 1:00 p.m. for the “Police Plunge.” At 3:00 p.m., the first “Corporate Plunge” will occur with hundreds of plungers from several corporate supporters.

Saturday begins with registration at 8:00 a.m. The “Pee Wee Plunge” occurs at 11:00 a.m. for kids eight and under and their families. Senior citizens who wish to can also plunge at this time. The first general plunge occurs at 1:00 p.m., followed by a second at 3:00 p.m. In between, plungers and spectators can visit the vendors in the huge Carnival Funfest Tent, or listen to bands in the Rams Head Ice Lodge. The Astro Events Kids Zone is back by popular demand. The costume contest, a master chainsaw carver, real race horses and jockeys, police and military displays, and lots of unusual sights will all be free and fun to see.

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. For a complete listing of anything related to the Plunge, visit www.plungemd.com.

Plungefest is a family event with no admission fee and you are not required to plunge in order to come and enjoy the fun. Alcohol consumption is prohibited throughout most of the Plungefest venue. It is permitted in restricted and designated areas that include the Rams Head Ice Lodge. While tailgating in parking lots is permitted, alcohol consumption in non-designated areas is not permitted. Police and security patrols will be enforcing the alcohol restriction. Violators may be subject to a citation, expulsion from the park, and/or arrest, depending on the circumstances.

There is no general parking at Sandy Point State Park. Parking permits are required in the park and have already been distributed to eligible persons. All those planning to attend the Plunge should use the Polar Express Shuttle System and park either at Navy-Marine Corps Stadium, Anne Arundel Community College, or Kent Island High School. Shuttle buses will quickly, effortlessly, and warmly transport plungers to and 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, Constellation Energy, WBAL TV, 98Rock, WBAL AM, Clear Channel Outdoor, The Sun, The Council of Baltimore Ravens Roosts, Comcast, Bingo World, Rams Head, Carnival Cruise Lines, and Wawa.

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.