Hundreds ‘dip’ into new year in Surf City in costumes to support food insecurity

SURF CITY, NC (WWAY) — Hundreds of people took a dip into the Atlantic Ocean in Surf City to ring in the new year and help out a local non profit.

At least 2,000 people showed up Monday morning at the Roland Avenue Beach access with many wearing elaborate costumes to take a chilly dip into the ocean to ring in the new year for the annual Dolphin Dip. 

Each year, the annual event raises money for Share the Table. Share the Table is a non profit that feeds more than a thousand people a week through its free community meals, food pantry, and school backpack program. Dawn Ellis with Share the Table said so far, donations are estimated to be around $18,000.

Grinch on a Flamingo Loo Hoo won the adult costume contest at the Dolphin Dip on January 1, 2024 (Photo: Rebecca Moxey)

The event also includes costume contests each year. The winner of the adult contest was a “Grinch on a Flamingo Loo Hoo”.