By Pamela Brownstein
The tradition of starting the new year by braving the cold Atlantic Ocean continues on Hunting Island State Park during the 4th Annual Pelican Plunge on Sunday, January 1, 2012. Registration starts at noon at the North Beach Lighthouse Shelter, and the plunge will be at 1 p.m.
Last year the event attracted 200 plungers, but with spectators on the island, the number was more like 700, said this year’s chairwoman Denise Parsick.
Sponsored by Friends of Hunting Island, the Pelican Plunge raises money to support the Discover Carolina educational program that allows teachers and students to visit the park for a day of learning. Denise calls it “an excellent, hands-on science-based experience” that gives students the chance to have a deeper understanding and appreciation for their environment.
This year, a steel drum band will be playing and free coffee and cocoa will be available for all participants. Denise said the warm-up activities are always fun, and all plungers will get a kazoo. Costumes are also encouraged. “It’s just a hoot of a day,” she said.
Prizes will be given out to the business, organization and individual that raise the most money. For more information, visit www.friendsofhuntingisland.org or call the park at 843-838-2011.