GULF SHORES, Ala. — The Southeast Tourism Society recently awarded the Flora-Bama Lounge and Package’s 25th annual Polar Bear Dip with a prestigious Top 20 designation for winter 2009 events.

Scheduled for noon on New Year’s day, this legendary roadhouse comes alive as participants join hands and waddle into the chilly gulf waters for a quick dip before returning to the sugar white sands and a complimentary bowl of black-eyed peas.

Other festivities include live music and frothy New Year’s toasts. 

“This tradition started 25 years ago when several of my friends decided to jump into the gulf at noon on New Year’s Day,” said Pat McClellan, co-owner of the Flora-Bama. “It was in the 20s that day and was sleeting. Since I was the only one to show up and actually jump in the water, I have been able to shame everybody else into it.”

Created in 1983, the STS is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion and development of tourism in its 12 Southern member states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia and Arkansas.

The top 20 events program uses independent judges to evaluate nominated events throughout its member region.

For more information on the 25th annual Polar Bear Dip, visit florabama.com, or call 850-492-6838.