Dec 23, 2025  by Stephen J. Kotz

⬜️ The Sag Harbor Community Food Pantry once again will be the beneficiary of the 27th annual Wainscott Polar Bear Plunge, which will take place at the foot of Beach Lane at 2:30 p.m. on January 1.

The annual event is sponsored by Colin Mather and The Seafood Shop, with all proceeds going directly to the food pantry, which each week serves, on average, 100 families, representing about 400 people who live in the greater Sag Harbor area.

Participants have been asked to arrive no later than 2 p.m., and there is a $35 registration fee for those taking the plunge. The food pantry has encouraged participants to register in advance by visiting sagharborfoodpantry.org.

The organizers note that the Wi-Fi signal at the beach tends to be weak, so those who are not preregistered are asked to bring cash to cover their registration fee.

All registered plungers will receive an official Wainscott Polar Bear Plunge winter beanie. The caps can be purchased for $35 as well.

Hot chocolate or coffee will be offered to all attendees, and family and friends are encouraged to cheer on those facing the chilly ocean waters.

For more information about the event, contact Patricia Matheson, the event coordinator, at (631) 880-8419 or at [email protected]; Colin Mather, the event’s sponsor, at (631) 219-9087 or [email protected]; or Terie Diat of the Sag Harbor Community Food Pantry at [email protected]