January 22, 2026, Seward Folly

The annual Polar Bear Jump took place this year under icy conditions, drawing a strong turnout despite hazardous highway travel from Anchorage. The Seward Chamber coordinated several aspects of the event, including arranging for Seward Saunas on-site, managing the awards ceremony at the Rae Building, and overseeing check-in at the Breeze Inn. DJ Hank served as the event’s master of ceremonies.

This year’s event raised $216,587 for the American Cancer Society. Approximately 70 participants took the plunge, representing 15 qualified and participating teams, along with one individual jumper.

Jamie Fredrickson participated with the team from AVTEC, sponsored in part by Tote Marine.

Fredrickson said, “I jumped in 2011, and it didn’t go so well. I had the flu and got much sicker after the jump…. This year the weather was perfect, and I was happy to see the sauna to greet me at the top of the pier.”

She also loved the parade, even getting an offer to ride in the police cruiser.

A live and silent auction was held on Friday at Tony’s Bar, raising over $5,000 for Katie’s Handprint Kenai Peninsula Fund. The fund provides quick, low-barrier grants and assistance to families facing childhood cancer. The auction was well supported despite challenging weather and road conditions.

Team Providence preparing to jump