KYLE – The Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) in Kyle is organizing its fifth annual Polar Bear Splash for 1 p.m. on New Year’s Day at the Kyle Municipal Swimmng Pool.

The event will be the fifth annual Polar Bear Splash, which the city instituted right after it opened its swimming pool in the summer of 2004.

New to the event this year is a Crazy Costume Contest. The contest will take place just before the jump into the pool. The winner will receive the new Crazy Polar Bear Trophy.

Polar Bear Club Registration is available at the PARD office and online at www.kylepard.com. For only $20, participants receive a long-sleeve event shirt, half off a 2009 Summer Season Pool Pass, a ticket for a chance to win a door prize and her name on the coveted Polar Bear Club Plaque.

However, it is not required to jump into the pool to join the club, nor to join the club to jump into the pool.

RELATED IN THE MERCURY:

• ‘Polar bears’ come out in Kyle | January 1, 2008
• City of Kyle Blog: Kyle Kudas advance six to state swim meet | July 17, 2008
• Polar Bear Plunge to benefit United Way of Hays County | November 22, 2008
• Kiddos invited to join Summerfest children’s parade today | July 4, 2009
• Calling costumed kids for July 4 parade | June 11, 2008