Chicago Polar Bears Make a Splash
By Lauri Apple in Arts & Entertainment on Jan 2, 2009 8:00PM
Most people spend New Year's drinking Tylenol smoothies, writing up lists of pre-broken promises and crying about all the self-destructive things they did during the previous year. (Right?) Not the members of the Chicago Polar Bear Club, who celebrate January 1 by dashing into the freezy waters of Lake Michigan for a quick dip. This year's swim brought out a crowd of several hundred brave souls, who risked comfort and frostbite to venture out to North St. Beach and prove once again that they are stronger and heartier than the rest of us. Chicagoist was on hand (and cravenly dressed in three layers of fleece) to capture the action. (Be sure not to miss the Feb. 7 "Celebration of Shrinkage, hosted by the Lakeview Polar Bear Club at Oak St. Beach.)