OLD ORCHARD BEACH — The tide was high and so was the enthusiasm. Postposed twice, for issues ranging from extreme cold to predicted storms, many who signed up for the Lobster Dip were raring to go at noon on Saturday.

The air was 36 degrees; the ocean was at 39 degrees — and, it seemed, no one cared.

They were ready to run into the ocean — some  attired in silly costumes — to help support Special Olympics.

According  to organizers, early estimates show 277 “dippers” raised about $116,000  for the cause.

Some of those who “dipped” were Special Olympians themselves — like Angelica Bennett and Jen Meserve, both of Waterboro, members of the Red Hot Chili Dippers Team organized by Special Olympics Maine spokeswoman Lisa Bird. The team, which has several members, raised $1,500 for the cause.

Bennett was an experienced dipper, having run into the ocean in January for the cause in 2017.

“I just ran in and got completely wet,” said Bennett of her first dipping experience. 

After her 2018 dip, how was she feeling?

“Cold, but good,” Bennett said.

“I can’t feel my feet!” said a smiling, upbeat Meserve after she returned from the cold, cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean. 

The annual Lobster Dip had been scheduled for Jan. 6, but was postponed to Jan. 13 because of extreme cold temperatures, and a second time, to Jan. 20,  because of a forecast ice storm.

Bird noted that the dip is a major fundraiser for Special Olympics Maine.

Was the postponement a deterrent?

Bird said said she noticed that after the first date change that pledges had gone up by about $10,000 She said she believe the postponements spurred some dippers on.

“I think it will be better,”  she said from the sands behind the Brunswick Hotel, minutes before the high noon dash into the sea.

Making the first foray into the ocean Saturday was Rocco Frenzilli — one of the original dippers  back in 1989 when the event was held at East End Beach in Portland. Dipping with him was Kelly MacVane, whose father, Peter, was an original dipper with Rocco and some others.  

Kelly said she and a brother used to take part when they were in school.

“When my father died in 2012, I picked it up, “she said. 

MacVane is among the ‘double dippers,” who run into the ocean a — brrr — second time.

“Special Olympics is such an important cause,” said dipper Patricia Fortunato of Scarborough, who was preparing for her run into the sea. 

Several minutes before noon, men and woman in dry suits, on hand to make sure everyone stayed safe, ventured into the ocean. 

There was a countdown.

Then in they all ran, yelling at the top of their voices.

And out they came — though some went in a second time.

“I love it,” said Old Orchard Beach resident Mike Coleman. “Seeing the faces of the kids who benefit — it’s worthwhile. It’s touched my heart.”

“It was really cool,” Jen Meserve said as she toweled her hair dry. “I liked it. I’ll do it again next year.”

— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324-4444 (local call in Sanford) or 282-1535, ext. 327 or twells@journaltribune.com.