Revelers at Hollywood’s silliest annual event plan to outdo themselves in February, starting off the Groundhog Day festivities with a sumptuous breakfast before taking their traditional ocean plunge in sub-sizzling temperatures at around the same time forecasting groundhog Punxsutawney Phil predicts the end of winter in Pennsylvania.
It must be time for the 12th Annual Groundhog Day on Hollywood Beach, a time-honored tradition celebrating a shared universal hope for a warmer tomorrow – or at least a significant warm-up by noon. The event will take place on Tues., February 2 from 6:30-8 a.m. at Ocean Alley Restaurant and Beach Bar, 900 N. Broadwalk (at A1A and Indiana Street) on the world-famous Hollywood Beach Broadwalk. The legendary Groundhog Swim will be at 7:30 a.m. A $12 donation includes breakfast and a free souvenir T-shirt for swimmers.
Shirts are available for non-swimmers at an additional $12 if quantities last. Proceeds will benefit the Hollywood Beach Lifeguard Competition Team to help cover travel expenses to Manhattan Beach, California, for the Nationals in 2016. Sponsors include Ocean Alley, The Beach Bums Chapter of the Groundhog Club, Hollywood Beach Business Association, Hollywood CRA, Rich Formal Wear, Burkhardt Construction, Lojetta Group, Cahoots Newspaper and the Diplomat Resort & Spa.
No Groundhog Day bash would be complete without a special appearance by Punxsutawney Phil and live coverage of Groundhog Day from Punxsutawney, PA, the Weather Capital of the World. The event culminates with some of the heartiest souls taking a traditional dip in the Atlantic Ocean, which barely breaks 80 degrees by midday at this time of year.
Children of all ages are welcome.
What: 12th Annual Groundhog Day on Hollywood Beach
When: Tuesday, February 2 from 6:30-8 a.m. (Swim at 7:30 a.m.)
Where: Ocean Alley Restaurant & Beach Bar, 900 N. Broadwalk (at Indiana Street), Hollywood Beach
Cost: $12 Donation to benefit the Hollywood Lifeguard Competition Team
Parking: True Believers Will Find Parking
For more information or press inquiries, contact Jeff Hansen at 954-929-9334 or hlwdcahoot@aol.com.
