Margate Polar Bears
By NANETTE LoBIONDO GALLOWAY
The Downbeach community is looking forward to a happy and prosperous New Year and will ring in 2024 with a high-brow concert and two dips in the ocean.
Although the weather forecast for New Year’s Day is not available at this time, temperatures have been moderate for this time of year and the ocean water temperature is in the upper 40s, which could be just perfect if you’re a polar bear.
The cities of Ventnor and Margate are holding their annual Polar Bear plunges New Year’s Day.
Robert’s Place, 7807 Atlantic Ave. in Margate is where thousands of revelers will meet for a one-block walk to the beach for the biggest plunge on Absecon Island. The bar’s 29th annual Polar Bear Plunge will be held at noon. A T-shirt and hoodie sale in front of Robert’s Place benefits the Wounded Warrior Project.
Ventnor Polar Bears
Meanwhile, Santucci’s Original Square Pizza restaurant in Ventnor will hold pre- and post-plunge gatherings for the city’s annual Polar Bear Plunge being held at 1 p.m. on the beach at Newport Avenue.
The restaurant will kick off the celebration starting at noon. An after-party will be held 1:30-4 p.m. with a DJ, games, raffles, hot chocolate bar and pizza buffet. Lots of Polar Bear Plunge swag is available for purchase on the beach and at Santucci’s.
This year’s T-shirt design was created by Ryan Palma, 11, a student at the Ventnor Educational Community Complex, who won the logo contest sponsored by the Ventnor Business Association.
Margate’s Dominick A. Potena Performing Arts Center is the place to be on New Year’s Eve as the city hosts its annual holiday concert that features Music Director Jed Gaylin leading the Bay Atlantic Symphony.
This year’s program is “A Magical Musical Margate New Year’s Eve,” and includes solo performances by opera soprano Venessa Potena and cellist Rose Bart.
The concert is sponsored by the city and the Margate Public Library.
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