East Hampton Polar Bears Will Take the Plunge at Atlantic Ave

The annual New Years Day Polar Bear Plunge will take place at Atlantic Avenue Beach in Amagansett for 2013.

Due to damage caused by Superstorm Sandy, organizers announced last month that the East Hampton Polar Bear Plunge would not return to Main Beach, its home for the past two years. Atlantic Beach was chosen as the substitute site because of its ample parking.

Each year on January 1, the plunge draws hundreds of festively costumed participants, who storm the beach and leap into the icy surf to raise money for the East Hampton Food Pantry and others like it on the East End. Last year, 250 people took the plunge, which begins at 1 p.m. this year. Participants must contribute at least $25, and those who choose to brave the frigid Atlantic can register as early as 11:30 a.m. Coffee, hot chocolate and soup will be provided after the daring ordeal.

Let’s just hope that the alleged End of the World on December 21 doesn’t derail the new plans.

For more information, visit easthamptonfoodpantry.org.