The 10th annual Keep Winter Cold Polar Bear Plunge is this Saturday, January 24th! Hundreds of CCAN supporters, along with their friends, families, Congresswoman Donna Edwards and more, will brave the waters of the Potomac River to get the word out about climate change while we raise money to keep fighting for swift action at the local, state and federal levels. For those of you planning to join us, here’s some important information.
Waivers: The plunge is a fun, family friendly event, but it’s not completely risk-free. If you completed your registration on FirstGiving, you signed a waiver form. Any plungers under 18 years of age will need to have the waiver form signed by a parent or guardian. If you’re bringing a plunger who is under 18 and who hasn’t registered online, click here to print a waiver for his or her parent or guardian to sign. We will have copies of the waiver available at registration on Saturday.
Arrival time: You and any friends or family members coming along to support you should plan to get to National Harbor no later than 10:15 a.m. All plungers must register at the registration tents (which open at 10 a.m.), so make sure you get there on time!
Attire advice: You should plan to wear old sneakers or sandals that won’t fall off when you go into the water. You will also be less cold if, in addition to a towel, you bring a robe or a blanket to wear immediately before and after you go in the water. We’ll have foot warmers to put in your shoes that you’ll appreciate especially after you’ve come out of the water.
Directions: You can find out how to get to National Harbor, including via public transportation (which is possible, but slow), by going here: http://www.nationalharbor.com/directions. Follow the signs for the plunge once you’re off the interstate highway. You can also enter the address for the after-party into navigation devices for driving directions, as it is adjacent to the parking lot: McLoone’s Pier House, 141 National Plaza, National Harbor, Maryland.
Parking: There are enough spots for all in the lot by McCloone’s. The first 100 cars will be given a free parking pass. (Otherwise it costs about $5.)
Weather: As this is written, the forecast is for a crisp day with a high in the low 40s — be sure to dress warmly for before and after your plunge!
Plunge-time: We’ll have group tents for you to use to take off layers or change clothes before we take our dip, so you can dress for warmth for our opening program. Our plan is to have a short program at 11 am, head over to the changing tents by 11:20 a.m. and to be in and out of the water by 11:30 a.m.
Food and hot drinks: Zeke’s Coffee and Kate Bakes Bars are providing their delicious coffee, hot chocolate, and delectable pastries. Vegan pastry options will be available.
After-Party: But’s that’s not all! Afterwards, plan to stay around for an after-party at McLoone’s, a restaurant right next to where we’ll be doing the plunge. We’ll announce the winners of The Green Commuter bike contest and the dinner with Rev. Yearwood and Mike Tidwell contest, as well as pick raffle winners for the nine raffle prizes! Plus, this is always a fun and great way to meet some wonderful people: all of you! McCloone’s is generously offering use of their restrooms before the Plunge, as well as a 15% discount on their food and drinks for everyone who is wearing an “I Took the Plunge” sticker (available at the registration table).
Volunteers: Do you want to volunteer at the plunge? We’d love to have you! Contact Ted Glick at ted@chesapeakeclimate.org to sign up to volunteer.
We don’t encourage bringing your dog, but if you feel you have to, you must have your dog on a leash at all times.
Questions? Contact Ted Glick at ted@chesapeakeclimate.org or 240-396-2155.
See you Saturday!