FMB Polar Bears to make 10th annual jump
To the editor:
The Fort Myers Beach Polar Bear Club will hold their 10th annual jump on New Years Day, Jan. 1, 2015. This year the event is being held at theOutrigger Beach Resort (6200 Estero Blvd.). Parking will be available directly across the street from the Outrigger at Charley’s Boat House Grill.
As part of this years event, Polar Bear t-shirts will be sold as a fund raiser for Jimmy Bosley (a favorite bartender at the Outrigger) who is battling colon cancer. Everyone is encouraged to help with this cause by purchasing the benefit t-shirts. Additionally there are 50/50 tickets currently being sold at the Outriggers Tiki Bar which also benefit Jimmy.
The annual gathering of the Polar Bears is called for noon, with many of the Polar Bears arriving out of hibernation about 11 a.m. for choir practice and pre-nourishment. “Rookie Polar Bear” recruits are always welcomed to participate and become members of this ever increasing species on Fort Myers Beach.
The Polar Bears will embark for the beachfront of the Outrigger Beach Resort by marching and singing (more or less chanting) their Polar Bear Theme song, at approximately 2 p.m. and then take the annual plunge into the bone-chilling water of the Gulf of Mexico. All participants and observers are encouraged to return to the Tiki Bar at the Outrigger to warm up until 5 p.m. or later.
Entertainment will be provided by locally renowned “Smoking Bill and Friends,” the official Polar Bear Club band. These musicians who play together annually for this event are some of the best talent in all of Florida. Lots of good music, dancing and celebration of the New Year.
This is a day filled with fun, frolic and great camaraderie. New friendships are developed each year and many previous beach visitors return just to participate. Everyone is welcomed and encouraged to become part of the Fort Myers Beach Polar Bears.
Ed Herbert
FMB Polar Bear Club secretary
Fort Myers Beach