The annual Polar Bear Plunge takes place on North Beach and raises money to find a cure for ALS. Courtesy photo
New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day can be healthy and support a good cause. Check out these free events and an icy coastal plunge that raises money to find a cure for ALS. After recovering from the plunge, take a peaceful and prayerful walk along a labyrinth.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31
10:30 a.m.-noon
NOON YEAR’S EVE PARTY
Ben F. McDonald Public Library
4044 Greenwood Drive
Dancing and kid-friendly activities with a countdown to noon, all in time to get a good night’s sleep! Free. The library will be open until 6 p.m. New Year’s Eve and closed New Year’s Day.
6:30-9 p.m.
NEW YEAR’S EVE LABYRINTH WALK
All Saints Episcopal Church
3026 S. Staples St.
Join the church for a rededication of the labyrinth at 6:30 followed by a quiet, contemplative walk between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Guest artists will provide music to guide walkers along a peaceful, prayerful path. Free.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1
8:30 and 1:30 p.m.
FIRST DAY HIKE
Goose Island State Park
Park rangers take visitors on a guided hike covering about 1 mile of relatively flat terrain along the Turks Cap Trail and campground. Meet at the Turks Cap Trail parking lot near site No. 157. Leashed pets welcome. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water. Free with park entrance fee.
Noon-1 p.m.
POLAR BEAR PLUNGE
North Beach in front of Fajitaville
221 S. Hotel Place
Brave the chilling waters of Corpus Christi Bay top help raise money to find a cure for ALS. Raise more than $20 beyond registration for a polar bear hat/mitten set. Participants receive a souvenir T-shirt and a drink from Fajitaville.
1 p.m.
FIRST DAY HIKE
Lake Corpus Christi State Park
23194 Park Road 25
Mathis
A guided 1-mile hike on Catfish Point Trail helps start the new year off fresh and fit. Meet at the Catfish Point Trail Head. Wear walking shoes and bring plenty of water. Kid-friendly. Free with park entrance fee.
