Are you tired of the packed bars, restaurants and city streets on New year’s eve? Come and join us on the Virginia coast for something completely different!

Chincoteague Island is still a place of beauty and wonder during the winter. Sure, it’s not bathing suit weather, but a walk on the beach with a warm coat, holding hands with a loved one as the fresh ocean wind stirs your hair – this is a great place to start a new year fresh!

Speaking of starting fresh, the #1 way to do that here on the Island is to participate in the Polar Pony Plunge. You may have heard of a polar bear plunge – well, this is our version.

On the first of the year, shed yourself of a hangover and whatever else ails you by taking a plunge into the Atlantic Ocean. At 1:13 p.m. (ya know, because the date will be 1/1/13) on the beach on Assateague Island, the leap takes place. Even a cool day at the beach beats a day at work! Don’t worry, you won’t have any problems finding the right beach, there will be a crowd!

Dress up, dress silly, wear mittens and a scarf, just be on the beach on the 1st! Nothing can compare to the invigorating feeling you get by plunging into the ice-cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean! It really is an awesome experience. There will be lots of fun all around, for spectators as well. Plungers are encouraged to dress up in the zaniest, craziest costume they can come up with! To convince the skeptics back at home, who may doubt your unflinching resolve, get a t-shirt to memorialize every chilling detail!

Prizes await the best costumes in many categories. Just remember, if you decide to plunge, you’ll need to read and sign the Plunge Waiver and Release Form. There is NO fee to enter the water. Don’t be left out in the cold!

Too Chicken to Plunge? You can still offer enthusiasm, and dip a finger or big toe in. Hey, be proud, and stand tall, someone had to hold the towel! And you can still buy a T-shirt!