November 12, 2026, Seward Folly

Announcement from the Seward Chamber of Commerce

The Seward Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has voted to move the Chamber’s annual New Year’s Eve fireworks display to Polar Bear Jump weekend.

Photo by Chamber of Commerce

For many years, the Chamber has been proud to provide a New Year’s Eve fireworks display free for our community and visitors to enjoy, made possible in part through the support of local business sponsors. We know these fireworks have become a tradition for many Seward families, and this decision was made thoughtfully as we considered how to best use Chamber resources while continuing to create meaningful community events.

Last year, the Chamber took on the Polar Bear Jump Festival to ensure this beloved, long-standing Seward event could continue. With deep roots in the community, the festival is an important fundraising opportunity supporting local children and families impacted by cancer.

With the Chamber now organizing the Polar Bear Jump Festival just a few weeks after New Year’s Eve, bringing the fireworks and festival together this year allows us to focus our resources and efforts on one weekend, making Polar Bear Jump as successful, festive, and impactful as possible.

By moving the fireworks to Polar Bear Jump weekend, we hope to give locals and visitors another reason to come together for this event, build even more excitement around the festival, and strengthen its fundraising efforts for children and families impacted by cancer.

The January timing also means Seward students will be back in school rather than away for winter break, which we hope will allow more local families to be in town and enjoy the celebration together.

We understand that changing a long-standing tradition can take some adjustment, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who has celebrated New Year’s Eve with us over the years. We’re excited to bring the fireworks to Polar Bear Jump this January and make them part of a weekend of community, celebration, and support for a great cause.

We look forward to seeing Seward light up during this year’s Polar Bear Jump weekend!

More details about the fireworks and festival weekend will be shared in the coming months.