With a balloon elf perched on his head and a hearty “Ho, ho, ho,” Greg Taunton charged into the churning Gulf of Mexico, proving that even Santa’s helpers aren’t afraid to make a splash at the annual Cotton State Santas Polar Plunge.
“I’ve got a dive buddy to go with me,” Taunton, 58, of Millbrook said with a smile, pointing to the creative headgear.
Known as “Twist Kringle” because of his balloon twisting skills, Taunton temporarily lost the hat as he plunged into the Gulf and had to chase it down. Undeterred, he chased it down like a true Santa on a mission, ultimately retrieving it and gifting it to a delighted youngster who had watched the spectacle with a smile…