March 15, 2023 Submitted by Hingham Nursery School
If you were out and about this past Saturday morning, you may have noticed an old friend at the Bathing Beach…none other than Polar Bear Pete, escorted by the Hingham Police Department to embark on his 3rd annual plunge into the frigid harbor water.
What started as a creative fundraising event during the pandemic, Polar Bear Pete’s plunge quickly turned into a fan favorite event for the school. This year HNS friends and family were able to purchase customized “Polar Bear Pete” Hingham Nursery School t-shirts ahead of the event. Prior to the event, the bundled up crowd of families enjoyed some fun music, hot chocolate, and donuts as they waited for Polar Bear Pete’s grand entrance. As 5-year-old Bodie Newland noted, “Polar Bear Pete must be so excited. His dreams are coming true today.”
Polar Bear Pete’s entrance has evolved from the first year – moving from a dancing entrance in 2021, a fire truck ride in 2022, to this year’s HNS decorated jeep truck escorted by the Hingham Police Department. While the kids were thrilled to see Polar Bear Pete back in action, they were also excited to see and check out the Hingham Police Department Cruiser. “I loved that funny bear jumping in the water,” 3-year-old Hoyt Murphy excitedly expressed after the event.
The Hingham Nursery School Board extends their sincere thanks for supporting the plunge for its 3 rd straight year. Be sure to check out Hingham Nursery School’s Facebook and Instagram pages (@hinghamnurseryschool) for more coverage of the plunge and for enrollment information.