Brrrrr!!!! Now, that’s cold! A tradition on Pensacola Beach is the annual Polar Bear Plunge behind the Paradise Inn motel. Each Jan. 1, participants ring in the New Year by taking a scintillating dip into Santa Rosa Sound. On Sunday, hundreds of veteran plungers and numerous firsttimers are expected to brave the elements and experience the 60- degree waters in their skivvies. Will you be among the revelers? Joe Culpepper/Gulf Breeze News file photo Gulf Coast residents including those in Gulf Breeze are invited to ring in the new year in Downtown Pensacola with The Pensacola Pelican Drop, a free event.

Festivities kick off at 5 p.m. Sunday, New Year’s Eve, and continue until 12:30 a.m. Monday.

Throughout the evening the giant Pelican (14 feet tall with a 20-foot wingspan) is perched above the celebration on a 100- foot platform at the intersection of Palafox and Government streets. Although Palafox and Government streets will be closed to traffic, area restaurants will be open and additional vendors will be providing refreshments (no alcohol sales).

Live performances on three outdoor stages will provide ongoing entertainment throughout the evening. The popular kids’ area will be expanded this year and will feature the special kids’ countdown at 8 p.m. with confetti and the “bubble stomp.” At the stroke of midnight, the whole city celebrates as the Pelican descends amidst fireworks and more confetti.

The event is expected to be a huge hit with over 50,000 revelers in attendance.

Here are some facts and tips to remember:

¦ Palafox Place will close down for a massive party. Street closures begin on the morning of Dec. 31 and continue until 1 a.m. on Jan. 1.

¦ There is plenty of handicap and regular parking in the Jefferson garage as well as the local parking lots downtown.

¦ Arrive early for the best view of the Pelican Drop. Folks begin arriving as early as 5 p.m. Sunday for the family friendly events. Some of the prime viewing spots will be filled by midevening.

¦ Hit the bathroom first. There will be public portable restrooms through out the event location.

¦ Local bars and restaurants will be open to sell food and drinks, and there will be food vendors on the streets. No coolers will be allowed.

¦ Be ready for the crowds. Approximately 25,000 are expected.

¦ Leave your pets at home. Only service animals will be allowed.

¦ Be patient and have a sense of humor. Your feet will get stomped on. People will block your view. Someone is bound to bump into you. Keep your cool and you (and those around you) will enjoy the New Year’s Eve Pelican Drop.

¦ Consider the weather. It can vary widely. If it’s going to rain or be bitterly cold, you might want to consider dressing for the weather, with extra layers to add as it gets later and colder. Pensacola’s average temperatures for Dec. 31 are lows around 45 and highs in the low 60s.

¦ Make a plan to arrive home safely. Arrange for a designated driver if you plan to imbibe.

Polar Bear Plunge returns to Paradise Inn

After celebrating New Year’s Eve with midnight fireworks over the fishing pier at Pensacola Beach, start the New Year with an eye-opening dip in the waters of Santa Rosa Sound.

The annual Polar Bear Plunge takes place Jan. 1 at 2 p.m. behind the Paradise Inn. Bring all your friends to ring in the 2012 in a big way.

This annual ritual draws hundreds of participants and onlookers each year. The Polar Bear Plunge has become a destination spot for the holiday. There is no cost to take the plunge. Its fun for everyone: participants’ ages range from the young to the young at heart.

You would think someone would have to be crazy to jump i to freezing cold, close-to-freezing water in the middle of the winter: This is the best way to start off the New Year (and get rid of your hangover from the New Year’s Eve celebration from the night before).

Ice Flyers pull plug on planned Eve party

The Pensacola Ice Flyers canceled their planned New Year’s Eve party that was scheduled for Sunday. The Ice Flyers apologize for any inconvenience this has created. If you have paid for your tickets to the party, please contact the Ice Flyers’ office at (850) 466-3111 and they will refund your money.

Saturday, Dec. 31

New Year's Eve Fireworks
Midnight, Pensacola Beach

Fishing Pier
850-932-1500
HarborWalk Village New
Year's Eve Celebration
7 p.m., 10 Harbor Blvd, Destin
850-424-0600
Pensacola Symphony –
Celebrate the New Year
7 p.m., Saenger Theatre, 118
South Palafox Place, Pensacola
850-595-3880