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Plunge into Big Bear Lake

Benefit Special Olympics

Big Bear Lake, Calif. February 1, 2012 – Big Bear Lake’s water gets rather frigid in the wintertime with lake temperatures dipping into the low 30s, sometimes into the 20s. So why would anyone deliberately take a dip in the lake during these freezing conditions? The only reason that makes rational sense is to raise funds for people in need. On Saturday, March 10, the most brazen will take the Polar Plunge into Big Bear Lake to raise money to benefit Special Olympics athletes.

Organizers are now seeking fearless men, women and children to sign-up for the inaugural Big Bear Lake Polar Plunge, which helps sponsor year-round sports training programs and athletic competitions for children and adults with intellectual disabilities in the Inland Empire Region of Special Olympics Southern California. All proceeds from the event give people with intellectual disabilities continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, accomplishments, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

Individuals who take the Polar Plunge challenge are asked to raise at least $50 through pledges from family, friends and co-workers. Participants who reach this goal will get an official Polar Plunge t-shirt. Special Olympics supporters who prefer to stay out of the water can opt to register as a “Chicken.” They receive an “I’m too Chicken to Plunge” t-shirt, which helps raise money for the Special Olympics charity. Additional prizes are given to people who raise more than $50, and also for those with the most creative costumes. Sponsorship opportunities called EVENT FAN are available for businesses, organizations and individuals who want to pledge $500 or more.

“All it takes is a few seconds in the chilly water for plungers to discover why we refer to it as Freezin’ for a Reason,” said Special Olympics Southern California Regional Director Abbey Leffler. “They will immediately feel their hearts warm-up with joy because they know they are giving to a great cause. Nothing is too cold for a warm heart!”

Each plunger gets a moment in the spotlight with a public service announcement that briefly portrays each plunger and why he or she is taking the plunge. Plungers are encouraged to invite people who give a pledge to the event to prove that they really take the plunge, and to see first hand how bonkers the plungers really are. Spectators are encouraged to take photos and video. Costumes have become a staple with Polar Plunge events. Awards are given to participants with the best costumes, which are judged by creativity and all-around wackiest. Activities include a family fun area, guest emcee (TBA), DJ music, a souvenirs stand, vendors, and a raffle drawing with great prizes. There is a free BBQ lunch for participants. Spectators have the option to purchase BBQ lunch tickets.

The inaugural Big Bear Lake Polar Plunge is Saturday, March 10 at Meadow Park, 41220 Park Ave. in Big Bear Lake. Registration is from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Opening ceremonies, which includes a torchlight lighting ceremony and singing of the National Anthem begins at 12 noon. Plunges into frigid Big Bear Lake directly follow after opening ceremonies. Admission to watch the plunge is FREE, but donations are accepted. To register as a plunger for the Big Bear Lake Polar Plunge visit www.sosc.org/bigbearplunge or call 951-672-7707 or email aleffler@sosc.org. For lodging accommodations log onto www.bigbear.com or call 800-424-4232.

About Special Olympics Southern California:

Special Olympics Southern California has been changing lives through the power of sport for more than 40 years and offers opportunities for children and adults with intellectual disabilities to participate in year-round sports training and competition. For more information about how to compete, coach or contribute, visit www.sosc.org.

Southern California Special Olympics;

 

VALENTINE’S DAY RED-HOT SPECIALS

Romantic Valentines

Big Bear’s Sweet-Heart Deals add Extra Spark to Romantic Getaway

Big Bear Lake, Calif./January 25, 2012 – Big Bear Lake serves the ideal setting for a romantic winter getaway with two top-notch ski resorts, candlelight dining, comfy accommodations with wood-burning fireplaces, and a variety of “sweet-heart” specials to woo that special someone. Big Bear’s temperatures might be in the 20s or 30s on this special occasion, but the mountain resort sizzles with red-hot passion.

Action Tours (Action Zipline Tours and Action Segway Tours) have special discounts called “Get Some Action on Valentine’s.” Action Zipline Tours’ special whisks lovers off their feet (literally). Couples fly through the trees and over the snow on ziplines, and save $40 off regular rates per couple. Action Segway Tours offers a unique way to explore Big Bear on an electrical two-wheeled chariot. This invigorating outing for couples also discounts $40 per couple. Both offers are good for February 11 – 14, 2012. Rates are limited to the first five couples per day that the special is valid (Feb. 11-14), and must mention “Get Some Action on Valentines” at the time of booking to receive the discount. For zipline tour reservations call 909-866-0390. For Segway tour reservations call 909-366-0890.

Helicopter Big Bear offers a treat for love birds who want to fly together. Enjoy a 20-minute sightseeing flight from the vantage point of a helicopter cockpit to witness beautiful scenic aerial views. Longer tours are also available. The intimate flight includes a linen-lined picnic basket complete with champagne or Perrier sparkling water, a box of fine chocolate, a stuffed teddy bear, and a single rose. It’s a Valentine’s Day treat that will be remembered for a lifetime. Helicopter Big Bear’s Valentine’s Day special offer is good from February 11 – 18, 2012. Reservations are required. To book the Helicopter Sightseeing Flight for Love Birds call 909-585-1200.

Couples who opt to go skiing or snowboarding for the Valentine’s Day holiday might consider Goldsmith’s Boardshop for “Couples Rentals,” rent one rental set, and get the second rental set of equal or lesser value for free. “Couples Rentals” are valid February 10 – 15, 2012. For more details contact Goldsmith’s Boardshop at 909-866-2728.

After a day of playing in the snow together, finish your day of romance at your private accommodations. Choices range from full service hotels to charming bed & breakfasts, private homes and rustic cabins. Whether it is lakefront, in the village, or countryside, every lodge in Big Bear creates a romantic atmosphere. Some Valentine’s Day specials for lodging accommodations to consider are Windy Point Inn, Castlewood Cottages and Blue Horizon Lodge.

Windy Point Inn is the quintessential getaway for lovers. The beautiful contemporary Bed and Breakfast Inn is right on the lake. This Valentine’s Day Holiday the inn offers $100 off a two-night stay in a lakefront suite, which includes a whirlpool tub, wood-burning fireplace and a full breakfast. Rates are good for February 10 – 15, 2012. To book a romantic getaway to Windy Point Inn, call 909-866-2746 or visit www.windypointinn.com.

Castlewood Cottages offers an “out-of-the-ordinary” romantic hideaway. Here, each of the 11 “couples only” cottages offers their individual themes in furnishings, artwork and ambiance. Even the visiting couples “live” the experience wearing the costumes they receive to match their chosen cottage. They relive historic and ancient worlds at “Robin & Marion’s,” “King Arthur’s,” “Enchanted Forest” or “Antony & Cleopatra.” They enjoy chance meetings at the “Captain’s Quarters” or portray demure princess and elegant prince in “Castle Garden.” For the more adventurous, exciting experiences in “Enchanted Forest,” “Crystal Cave” or “Woodland Treehouse” create unforgettable memories. Other romantics choose lovely “Kate’s Garden” or dramatic “Gone With the Wind!” These delightful cottages, just a short walk from Big Bear Village, are charming, private and romantic, just the right choice for a unique Valentine’s Day getaway. Book an overnight stay at Castlewood Cottages from February 11 – 14, 2012 and receive 20 percent off regular rates. For reservations call 909-866-2720 or visit www.castlewoodcottages.com.

Blue Horizon Lodge helps spark an evening of romance with a free bundle of firewood for couples who book a two-night stay during Valentine’s week February 10 – 15, 2012. In addition to the free bundle of firewood, couples will save 20 percent off regular rates on a two-night stay. Guests must mention the Valentine’s Day special at the time of booking to receive discount. For reservations call 909-366-0089 or visit www.newbluehorizonlodge.com.

Big Bear Lake Resort Association offers a wide range of romantic packages that combines a room with choice of a couples massages, day spa service or romantic room customizing with roses, candles, and rose pedals placed in the room. Book Romantic Getaway Packages at www.bigbear.com or call 800-424-4232.

Photo Courtesy of Bear Mountain Resorts

WINTERFEST TO UPLIFT WOMEN

Ladies and Gents Battle it out on Rails, Catwalk, and Dance Floor to Raise Awareness for Breast Cancer

Big Bear Lake, Calif. January 12, 2011 – The inaugural XOS Battle of the Sexes Winterfest showcases females vs. males in three categories that includes a snowboard rail jam, fashion shows, and DJ battles. The purpose of the event is to educate and uplift women through fun, non-competitive events vs. men, and to raise awareness of breast cancer and the value of living an active lifestyle.

“We want to give women a comfortable forum where they can showcase their talents without any pressures. Winterfest is designed to give them a chance to playfully participate against the guys in a fun atmosphere,” said XOS Productions Event Producer Marisa Lupo. “The other key piece of Winterfest is to communicate the message about breast cancer, the importance of self examination and early detection, and to provide knowledge to fight the deadly disease.”

The two day event is February 3 and 4, 2012 in The Big Bear Village at the Big Bear Visitor Center parking lot. The event kicks off Friday, February 3 with a night-time DJ concert, featuring top-name DJs, and fashion show inside a large structured tent. The following day, Saturday, February 4, the Big Bear Visitor Center parking lot transforms into a winter-themed festival with a kid’s snow play area, snowshoe demos, live entertainment, carnival-type games, food vendors, art displays, winter apparel and booths providing information about breast cancer awareness. The main attraction on Saturday is the XOS Rail Jam that features top female snowboarders that rival top male snowboarders on professionally-built rails and jibs for an exciting snowboarding competition. Once the sun goes down, the music starts up again in the tented arena for a second DJ concert and fashion show Saturday night. Headlining acts for both Friday and Saturday evenings include internationally-renowned DJs Revolvr, Tatiana Fontes and Kristina Sky. Other performers include 2Deadbeatz, Duality, Shibby, MC2 and Ayla Simone. The tented events provide entertaining male vs. female DJ battles, dance-offs and catwalk fashion struts.

XOS Battle of the Sexes Winterfest is Friday, February 3 and Saturday, February 4. Both of the evening tented DJ concerts are from 5 p.m. to 12 midnight for ages 18 and over. Admission is $25 each night. (A portion of ticket sales goes to Boarding for Breast Cancer, a non-profit, youth-focused education, awareness and fundraising foundation for breast cancer.) Saturday’s daytime festivities are from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission for all daytime activities, which includes the XOS Rail Jam are FREE and open to all ages. The location of the event is at The Big Bear Visitor Center, 630 Bartlett Road in Big Bear Lake. For more event information visit www.xosproductions.com. To purchase discounted concert tickets and lodging packages log onto www.bigbear.com or call 800-424-4232.

Big Bear CA – Amgen Tour of California

Press Release From the Office of
Supervisor Neil Derry

World famous cycling event
places international spotlight
on outdoor enthusiast mecca

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – The American equivalent of the Tour de France cycling road race will return to Big Bear in 2012 after garnering rave reviews by organizers of the Amgen Tour of California following the 2010 visit, which drew thousands of spectators to our region along with millions of watchers worldwide.

The race is conducted over eight stages with Big Bear hosting the finish of the sixth stage on Friday, May 18. The “Big Bear Climb” will begin in Palmdale and travel through a rigorous mountain ascent that decimated the 2010 field due to its incredible difficulty.

Although the event is presented by AEG, each stage is hosted and organized by local committees. This year the race will be hosted once again by the Big Bear Chamber of Commerce and its Events Resource Office who will be assisted by a financial partnership with Supervisor Neil Derry.

“The Chamber did a phenomenal job last time and I know that they will make this event even better in 2012,” said Supervisor Derry, who has agreed to contribute $25,000 towards the event. “This event produces millions of dollars in economic benefits to the region when you quantify exposure Big Bear gets to millions of people around the world and take into account the year round boost in tourism from this audience.”

In 2010, the race drew approximately 12,000 spectators to Big Bear and was broadcast on a national television network and across the world depicting the lush green forest and deep blue lake.

With Stage 6 finishing in Big Bear on a Friday, the Chamber of Commerce is working with the Big Bear Lake Resort Association to aggressively market overnight packages to keep out-of-town visitors on the mountain through the weekend.

“The overhead visuals depicted the majestic beauty of the region in a way that words simply cannot,” Derry stated. “This is our chance to introduce Big Bear to millions of people and continue our work to brand the region as an outdoor enthusiast and tourist mecca.”

Those seeking additional information about the tour should visit www.BigBear.com or www.AmgenTourofCalifornia.com.

“With the help and support of County Supervisor Neil Derry, the City, County, Resort Association and Big Bear Chamber of Commerce were able to bring the tour to our mountain community,” said Mayor Bill Jahn “and because of this collaborative partnership, we have seen many more cyclists on our local roads taking advantage of training at high-altitude. Big Bear is poised to be the next big mecca for highaltitude, high-adrenaline outdoor sports!”

3 Signs – Winter is Coming to Big Bear

1. Pan Hot Springs is steaming!

2. BBARWA is steaming!

3. Big Bear Snow Play is Blowing!

The last of the Fall colors are showing off, and Big Bear is ready for the next season.
Have you waxed your board?
Get out your coats and sweaters and come visit!
You don’t need chains yet, but you might want to throw a blanket or 2 in the car.
Last day of Oktoberfest is this Saturday! Come join the Halloween Spooktacular and closing ceremonies.