Pensacola, FL -
You'd have to be a polar bear to enjoy swimming in January," so say locals at the Flora-Bama Lounge & Package. On Thursday, New Year's Day, at high noon, "Polar Bears" will dip in the Gulf of Mexico at the Florida/Alabama line.
What is a polar bear dip? A group of people (size usually depends on the weather) joins hands and wade into the Gulf. Those who are a little more ambitious take a plunge headfirst into "icy" Gulf waters, sometimes dragging their friends with them.
Why would anyone swim in January? One Polar Bear Dip veteran responded, "It's kind of an initiation – no, I'd never do it – it's too early in the morning." Noon is considered first thing in the morning on "Flora-Bama® Time" and never mind that he had participated in the event in previous years.
The event is sponsored by the Flora-Bama Lounge and will be held on the beach at the Florida/ Alabama line. All participants in the dip will receive traditional black-eyed peas. 
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