Margate Polar Bears 2019
The rapid spread of COVID-19 has led to the cancellation of festivities that normally ring in the New Year in the Downbeach area.
This year, Margate will not host its New Year’s concert and the 4th of July fireworks display that was rescheduled to New Year’s Eve has also been cancelled. Worst of all, Robert’s Place, one of Margate’s favorite grub pubs to ring in the New Year, has also cancelled its annual Polar Bear Plunge.
The bar, which hosts the annual plunge that is attended by hundreds, if not a thousand revelers, posted a sad message on its Facebook page earlier this month.
“As sad as this news is, our top priority is the health and safety of our employees and customers,” the post stated. “Stay safe everyone. We’ll take the plunge again Jan. 1, 2022.”
Margate Commissioner of Public Safety and Public Affairs John Amodeo said the city does not host the plunge but does provide traffic control and security during the event, which is held as a fundraiser for the Wounded Warrior Project.
Although there will be no plunge at noon on Jan. 1, local police will monitor the beach, “because I am sure there will be some out there to brave the cold,” he said.
Additionally, the less organized plunge held at 1 p.m. in Ventnor in prior years is also cancelled, Ventnor Commissioner of Public Safety and Public Affairs Tim Kriebel said.
