Sheboygan Polar Bears Ready for the New Years Day Plunge

This event is definitely one of the weirder traditions I have come across. I wish, however, that the article included some background story about the origins of such a bizarre tradition, as I'm sure it's an interesting one. I also wish she would've included the reason for the "de-sockinng" tradition as she makes it seem a very important no-no, almost taboo-like. I think the article would've definitely benefitted with some comments from some of the polar bears themselves -- interviews with questions like "Why do you partake in this tradition?" "How did you hear about this event?" "Why do you think this is such a popular attraction?" "Would you do this every year?" "Would you bring your children? Your friends? Your relatives?" These questions might also lead to sociological discoveries about the people of Sheboygan, Wisconsin, and also tell how viable such a tradition will be in the future. And lastly, I wonder if this tradition is actually safe? Jumping into freezing water, wearing whatever you would like, and allowing ANY age to join, kind of spells trouble. Just a side question, what if you wore socks in your tennis shoes or boots? All of these are to be put aside if this article is just a joke?

The article is not a joke. It is real. The full story is coming tomorrow as the article said.