Friends of Hunting Island State Park’s annual fundraiser returns
By Mike McCombs
The Island News
The Pelican Plunge – the Friends of Hunting Island (FOHI) State Park’s zany annual fundraiser – is back for its 15th and possibly its biggest year ever this New Year’s Day.
Plungers have their work cut out for them, though. After a best-ever turnout of 401 plungers in 2023, a record-breaking 452 plungers participated on New Year’s Day 2024, raising $3,766 for the organization best know for its sea turtle conservation program.
Each year, hundreds of plungers make the trek out to the easternmost end of U.S. Highway 21 to Hunting Island State Park’s North Beach, near the lighthouse. Many don wacky costumes and participate in a popular costume parade before running down the beach and into the chilly Atlantic Ocean at 1 p.m., while the FOHI mascot, the Pelican, and park rangers look on.
Fripp Island Sea Rescue will be on hand for safety, and 15th annual Pelican Plunge T-shirts will be on sale for all the participants and onlookers. With five food trucks, including a hot chocolate offering, organizers are ready to feed the hungry plungers.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids, and plungers can guarantee their spot by purchasing online at www.friendsofhuntingisland.org/pelican.
All proceeds go to FOHI, which supports the Hunting Island State Park in facilitating funding for key projects such as the recently renovated Nature Center at South Beach, the restoration of the 1875 First Order Fresnel Lens, and of course the sea turtle conservation program.
FOHI membership for 2025 is available, as well, for $60, which includes access to Hunting Island through Jan. 1, 2025, as well as volunteer opportunities. Visit friendsofhuntingisland.org/membership to join.
And like all South Carolina State Parks, Hunting Island will be hosting two First Day Hikes — New Year’s Day hikes at 7 and 10 a.m., starting from the Nature Center. To register, visit https://bit.ly/49PiJXA.
Want To Go?
Who: Friends of Hunting Island
What: 15th annual Pelican Plunge
When: 1 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2024
Where: Lighthouse area, Hunting Island State Park
Tickets: $10 adults, $5 children. All proceeds benefit the Friends of Hunting Island.
To register: Go to https://www.friendsofhuntingisland.org/pelican
Things to know: Arrive by noon, costume parade at 12:30 p.m., plunge at 1 p.m.; There will be food trucks, music, hot chocolate, cookies, and prizes. There will also be two New Year’s Day hikes – at 7 and 10 a.m. – starting from the Nature Center. To regsiter, visit https://bit.ly/49PiJXA.
Mike McCombs is the Editor of The Island News and can be reached at TheIslandNews@gmail.com.
