Could this be the last jump of the Polar Bear?
What do these things have in common: Roller skate keys, Howdy Doody, James Dean, Roy Rogers’ horse, Seward’s Polar Bear Jumpoff Festival? At this time, nothing. Perhaps after the Polar Bear Jump in January, all these things will be gone except in our memories.
The volunteer base of the Polar Bear Jumpoff Festival is thinning, and what’s worse, Polar Bear Marilyn says, “This is it!” She will not continue on as the coordinator for the Polar Bear Festival after this coming jump.
Have you ever participated in the plunge into the bay? Been in the parade? Ate at the seafood feed? Bought things at the auctions? Listened to the entertainment and awards at the Liberty Theater? Had your hair cut off to assist children? Lip synched? Slurped oysters? Or joined in the fun at the numerous events/activities that take place during the Polar Bear Jumpoff Festival?
Did you know that the Polar Bear Festival organization is an all-volunteer non-profit charitable organization and in 1991 received from the internal revenue service its 501(c)(3) status?
It takes many volunteers to put on this huge weekend festival.
The growth of this most exciting winter festival is unbelievable. What started out as a 1-day event in 1986 is now expanded into a statewide 3-day festival.
This most chilling festival brings many visitors to Seward in January that fill up restaurants, hotels, motels and shops. So the festival not only helps many charitable nonprofit organizations, Kenai Peninsula children with cancer, local youth and family programs and other non-profit organizations. The plunge has raised over $2 million for the benefit of the American Cancer Society and numerous other festival activities, and has assisted 50 Kenai Peninsula children with cancer.
The Seward Polar Bear Jumpoff Festival, Inc. aka Polar Bear Festival Association is seeking someone motivated and full of energy to take Marilyn’s place. Also, we need new members/volunteers to assist in keeping the festival alive.
Could 2013 be the last festival?
Please consider joining as a member/volunteer and assure the future of the festival. Call 224-5230 or email polarbearseward@yahoo.com.
The future of the Polar Bear Jumpoff Festival depends on you!