VIP Pensacola at Paradise Bar and Grill
T
he Greater Pensacola Chamber and Paradise Bar and
Grill teamed up to ring in the new year with their
annual Polar Bear Plunge on January 1. Over 300
people registered to be a part of the event, bringing in a
huge number of families and children to experience the festivities.
Participants lined up on the edge of the boardwalk behind Paradise
Bar and Grill in sections; and on the announcer’s count of three,
took a quick plunge into the water. Unlike last year’s event, the
weather was a warm and muggy 60 degrees, opposed to a frigid
28 degrees. After the plunge, guests were invited to enjoy live
entertainment and partake in the traditional black-eyed peas and
cornbread meal served on New Year’s Day.
This year was the Greater Pensacola Chamber’s biggest turnout in
the history of the Polar Bear Plunge. Every member who registered
got a chance to win the 50-50 raffle. The Polar Bear Plunge is the
Chamber’s first event of the year, and kick-starts the non-profit
fundraising season to support and build the foundation for the
numerous events the Chamber holds throughout the year.
photos & story by
Kristina Wright
Debbie & Rene Formantes
Emma Jackson, Teresa McCombs & Gracie Jordan
Deb Balayti, Terri Wojtys & Brigitte Wise
Pinkie & Shep Brown
Chrissy Cook & Bobbi Cunningham
Brandy & Chris Duncan, Hollie Kuepers
POLAR BEAR PLUNGE
54 | VIPPensacola.com
54-55 - Event Polar Bear Plunge.indd 1
1/27/19 10:49 PM