38th Annual Flora-Bama New Years Polar Bear Dip
After taking in the amazing fireworks show at The Wharf in Orange Beach it was time to continue our adventure! We couldn’t think of any better way than by taking part in the 38th annual Flora-Bama New Years Polar Bear Dip!
This event is now in it’s 38th year and involves everyone jumping into the Gulf of Mexico at 12:00 pm on New Years Day regardless of the weather and/or water temperature! Fortunately for us this year provided air temperatures in the mid 70s with water temperatures in the 60s. That made the water still cold for many, including me, but bearable for the event!
Parking was certainly “fun” pulling a camper behind us but we eventually found a piece of road shoulder and made our way to the beach. Here we joined hundreds of others wearing everything from swim suits to full blown polar bear costumes to prepare for the dip. Everyone was socializing and having a great time up and down the beach as far as we could see in each direction. I took my time to people watch while the kids played in the water getting acclimated……CHEATERS!!!!!!
As noon drew near everyone gathered at the waters edge and prepared for the count down. At the stroke of 12:00 everyone was off! It was a mad dash for many to get in and out quickly while others stayed in for a bit. I ran in and watched the kids for a bit and then took my official, fully submerged, plunge into the gulf. I have to admit it wasn’t as bad as I had expected but it was still cold for me!
After everyone had successfully taken the Polar Bear Dip it was off to the Flora-Bama building where everyone received a buffet of traditional New Years foods including ham, greens and cornbread. There was live music inside and plenty more opportunities to take in the costumes of others who had participated in the event.
Overall this event turned out to be an awesome addition to our trip. The kids had been begging for a beach trip again and we got to experience a truly unique coastal event. I wouldn’t hesitate to do this again should we be in the area. I would highly recommend putting this on your list for the future! Be sure to check out the YouTube video of the event HERE. Until next time…….