OLD ORCHARD BEACH — A record number of people participated at the 23rd annual Lobster Dip on New Year’s Day, and more than $100,000 was raised for Special Olympics Maine.
“We are beyond excited,” said Special Olympics Maine Spokeswoman Lisa Bird, who said there were 371 dippers who plunged into the ocean for the cause.
The event is one of the top fundraisers for Special Olympics Maine, and all money raised goes toward programming in Maine.
On New Year’s Day around 12:30 p.m., participants lined up in front of The Brunswick hotel, ran into the Atlantic Ocean, and ran out. Some “double dippers” ran in for a second time.
Typically, the event begins at noon, but was delayed until 12:30 p.m. because of the large number of people signing up. Organizers estimated that about 2,000 people were on the beach Saturday, including the 371 Lobster Dip participants and those watching the event.
The event has been held every year rain, snow or shine, and this year, and Bird said the warm weather likely played a role in the high participation.
“It’s incredible. We haven’t had weather like this in a long time,” said Bird.
Rocco Frenzilli has participated in the lobster dip annually since the first year, when it was about 13 people at the East End Beach in Portland. Saturday he was dressed in a red lobster suit and was holding a sign that read “Happy New Year.”
“It warms my heart every year ”¦ just to see how this has taken off,” he said.
First time dipper Stephanie McCollum of Old Orchard Beach was also happy with the weather. She said she’s wanted to participate in the event for the past few years, and decided this year was the year she was going to take the plunge.
“I’ve always wanted to give it a shot. It’s now or never,” she said.
When asked if she had a strategy, she replied, “Just do it and get it over with.”
Third time dipper Lauren Lessard, 18, of Arundel, took along her 15-year-old sister, first time dipper, Renee, to join her.
“Our dad is our towel boy,” said Lauren.
The two were dressed as Batgirl and Supergirl.
“I’ve always wanted to dress up as a superhero,” said Lauren.
She said she had cousins who participated in special Olympics and she said it was a good cause to support, plus all the money stays in Maine.
Some who didn’t want to take the plunge into the Atlantic Ocean but still wanted to participate chose to be chicken dippers, and sat around a fire in a caged area.
Cindy Deubeau, a member of American Veterans Post 25, was dressed up in a chicken suit. She said she had been participating in the Lobster Dip for 12 years, but has been a chicken dipper for the past six years.
“It’s a lot of fun and a very worthwhile cause,” she said.
— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, Ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.
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