Polar Bear Dips On January 1

 Mullet Wrapper reports two upcoming polar bear dips taking place at noon on January 1. Nearly 1,000 mostly costumed dippers are expected to jump into the gulf at the Alabama/Florida state line for the 41st Flora-Bama event. An all-day celebration with live music and football games on 24 big-screen TVs will follow. A traditional meal of black-eyed peas, cornbread, ham and a draft beer or soda will be offered to all dippers for free. A family-friendly polar bear dip organized by the Kiwanis Club of Gulf Shores in partnership with the City of Gulf Shores, The Hangout and the Alabama Law Enforcement Torch Run will take place in Gulf Shores at the Gulf Shores Main Public Beach (where Highway 59 ends). A party starts at 10 a.m. with beachfront entertainment by DJ Chuck-E-Chill. There will be an afterparty at The Hangout featuring live entertainment, gumbo and hot chocolate free for all who take the plunge.