Celebrating New Year’s is not limited to fireworks and parades. If you’re looking for a different way to celebrate the start of 2012, you could try a Polar Bear plunge.
Dive into cold waters for a brief moment, perhaps in costume. Start a new tradition.
Here are some of the area’s Polar Bear plunges, which all are set for Sunday.
Doc’s Pilchuck Tavern, Machias: Doc’s Pilchuck Tavern is holding its Polar Bear Jump 2012 into the Pilchuck River starting at 10 a.m., 1431 S. Machias Road, Machias. The event has been held for decades with people dressing up each year. Souvenirs and oysters will be sold at the event.
Brackett’s Landing, Edmonds: Edmonds Uplift Society is organizing a jump into Brackett’s Landing North at 1 p.m., 50 Railroad Ave. N. Everybody is welcome. Society members are scheduled to meet at 11:30 a.m., in Daphnes Bar, 425 1/2 Main St. Joining the plunge is free. You can also join the society for a $100 membership. Part of the proceeds go to the Edmonds Historical Society.
Matthews Beach Park, Seattle: The 10th annual Polar Bear Plunge starts at noon, Matthews Beach Park, 9300 51st Ave. NE. in Seattle. Children have their own event before the adult plunge. Costumes are encouraged. Entrance is located at the corner of NE 93rd St. and Sand Point Way NE. For more information call 206-684-4989 or go to http://tinyurl.com/matthewsplunge.
Marina Park, Kirkland: Kirkland’s Annual “Unofficial” Polar Bear Plunge is scheduled for 1 p.m., Marina Park, 25 Lakeshore Plaza Drive, Kirkland. For more information, go to http://tinyurl.com/kirklandplunge.
Idylwood Park, Redmond: Special Olympics Washington is organizing several polar bear plunges in the state to raise money for different programs. One of these is at Idylwood Park, located at 3650 W. Lake Sammamish Parkway, Redmond. Participants should check-in starting at 10 a.m. The plunge is scheduled for noon. For more information, go to www.special olympicswashington.org.
Birch Bay, Blaine: The 29th annual Birch Bay Polar Bear Plunge starts with registration at 9:30 a.m., on the waterfront by the chamber visitor information center, 7900 Birch Bay Drive, Blaine. The plunge is at noon. It’s being organized by the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce. Registration is free. There’s also a costume contest. For more information, go to www.birchbaychamber.com.
Alejandro Dominguez: 425-339-3422; adominguez@heraldnet.com.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.