Friday (New Year's Day) was the 16th annual Polar Bear Swim at Sulllivan's Island, SC. Don't let the "Island" word fool you...it was around 45 degrees, overcast and there was a whipping wind. The gathering of decorated swimmers and liquid preparation for the event began downtown early Friday morning, creating a festive, "something big is gonna happen" atmosphere. The lead in to the swim was a bagpipe ensemble on the beach, escorting the Dunleavy family who are the owners of Dunleavy's Pub and the hosts of the swim. Proceeds from the event go to sponsor the Special Olympics. The most amazing part of the whole gathering is the costumes. To mention just a few of the celebrities in attendance: Wonder Woman, Davy Crockett, Paul Revere, Mullet Man, Southern Gentleman, a complete band of Zombies drinking from a bucket of "blood juice", two vampires, and my very, very, favorite-a male "I dream of Jeanie" driving a golf cart toward the beach full of somber participants- complete with cigar, Ray-bans, long blond ponytail, two-piece jeweled outfit, and hairy legs.The anticipation builds as the mob of over 2000 gathers at the starting ribbon. There is an official countdown, and the air fills with whoops and hollers as everyone runs down the beach 
and into the water. (It was reported that an overly excited Zombie broke through the ribbon early, creating a chaotic "I'm breaking the rules" scene and a little crowd mayhem.) Then it's all over, except for a few hardcore stragglers, and everyone leaves the beach to walk together to downtown Sullivan's for more partying. There is this weird and wonderful sense of brotherly love in the air that you get when a mob of people survive something a little traumatic together. Everyone is refreshed, washed of their 2009 sins and hangovers, and ready to start the New Year. I've never been to a greater New Year's day event. Will definitely return next year for number 17.
and into the water. (It was reported that an overly excited Zombie broke through the ribbon early, creating a chaotic "I'm breaking the rules" scene and a little crowd mayhem.) Then it's all over, except for a few hardcore stragglers, and everyone leaves the beach to walk together to downtown Sullivan's for more partying. There is this weird and wonderful sense of brotherly love in the air that you get when a mob of people survive something a little traumatic together. Everyone is refreshed, washed of their 2009 sins and hangovers, and ready to start the New Year. I've never been to a greater New Year's day event. Will definitely return next year for number 17.
(Note: the picture at the top is from last year's event, taken by the Berkeley Post--Elton!)
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