Embrace the Cold During The Lamar’s Polar Bear Party

By Talbert Toole
Lifestyles Editor
talbert.toole@hottytoddy.com

Photo courtesy of Yoknapatawpha Arts Council.

The LOU community is invited for a night of games, beer, coffee, and community engagement at the “Polar Bear Party,” hosted by The Lamar Neighborhood Development on North Lamar this Sunday from 4-6 p.m.

The neighborhood development asked the Yoknapatpha Art Council to use the green space to promote a sense of community and inspire experiences based on the type of neighborhood they hope to build, said Wayne Andres, YAC director.

“Having a slightly different winter in Mississippi, we wanted to touch on the motivation for the event, and depending on the weather, embrace the cold or celebrate that Oxford is warm in January,” Andrews said.

The event will feature Jake the Polar Bear who will be available for photo opportunities. The Polar Bear Plunge will also be one of the main highlights of the event. Participants who make a splash in the pool have the chance to grab an iceberg that has frozen prizes inside.

Local businesses such as Jackson Beer Company, Uptown Coffee and Seauxs will provide beer, coffee and hot sauce tastings.

The Polar Bear Party dates back to 1912 when health enthusiasts proposed that swimming in cold water helped with circulation, vitality and building a strong immune system.

The health craze eventually turned into New Year’s Day events in places such as New York and Boston which have become annual specials, according to Andrews. The events focus on embracing the winter blues, he said.

For more information on The Lamar Neighborhood Development, visit their website.

For those interested in the Polar Bear Party, visit the event’s Facebook page.