Polar Bear Plunge Pivots, Parade Of Lights Canceled, As Officials Eye Holiday Plans In Southampton Village

How will the holidays in Southampton Village look, under the pandemic-prompted “new normal?” Issues related to annual festivities and COVID-19 restrictions were on the agenda for the Southampton Village Board’s November 12 meeting.

Village Board member Joseph McLoughlin reported that the annual parade of lights won’t take place this year due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases.

Traditionally held in late November or early December, the fire truck parade serves as the official kickoff of the holiday season in the village, with a concurrent Christmas tree lighting and visits from Santa Claus.

The fire department instead may display some antique fire vehicles, Mr. McLoughlin reported.

A window-decorating contest is underway, Village Board member Mark Parash reported. “There seems to be a good response, and the more the merrier,” he said. Last year, businesses really got into the spirit, he said. “We’re going to jump on that again this year.”

With more businesses staying open this year, Mr. Parash said he anticipates the decor will be even more vibrant. They’re encouraging businesses to consider using ice sculptures as a way to further enhance the festive atmosphere in the village business district, particularly on the day after Thanksgiving, a shopping day known as Black Friday. The contest runs through December 18.

“I know the village is going to be looking as beautiful as ever,” Board member Gina Arresta predicted.

Also affected is the annual Polar Bear Plunge. Hilton Crosby, executive director of Heart of the Hamptons, which has hosted and benefited from the annual fundraiser at Coopers Beach, reported that it will take place on December 12 — but in a modified and safe format.

“This year’s plunge will look a lot different from previous years, but our mission of helping people in our local community remains the same,” he told the board.

All funds raised at the event go toward helping people in the local community through the food pantry and assistance programs.

This year, the plunge will be a virtual, do-it-yourself and socially distanced event. “We had to get creative,” Mr. Crosby said. HOH is asking participants to make a short video in support of the charity and community and send it to the organization.

On December 12, participants will meet at the train station, then parade to Coopers Beach. At the point in the morning when people would normally jump into the cold water, there will instead be a drive-thru at the parking lot where people can drop off donations and pick up traditional Polar Plunge beanies. A few volunteers from HOH will take the plunge symbolically.

The group will begin to collect donations online on November 20.

Last year, the goal for the fundraiser was $125,000, Mr. Crosby said, adding, “You guys blew that out of the water by reaching just under $150,000.” That was the most raised for the event ever — and this year the goal is doubled, since the demand for services has been increasing by a steady 300 percent.

By way of example, Mr. Crosby said that last year HOH distributed 65,000 meals. So far this year, however, the group had already distributed 163,000 meals as of the beginning of November.

“It’s been a difficult year,” he said, adding that the Polar Plunge plan is the best they could come up with given coronavirus restrictions.