Polar Plunges have become a New Year’s Day tradition in many parts of the country including the Pacific Northwest.
Here is a list of several opportunities to brave the chill on Wednesday on the North Olympic Peninsula.
• In Port Angeles, New Year’s Day dippers can go to Hollywood Beach at 10 a.m. for “Freezin’ for a Reason,” the 32nd annual Polar Bear Dip to benefit Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County.
Volunteers will be on-site with complimentary warm beverages.
Call Dan Welden at 360-477-2586 for more information.
• In Nordland, The Nordland General Store on Marrowstone Island will host its 26th annual Polar Bear Dip at noon.
Brave souls are invited to join organizers at the dock across from the landmark store at 7180 Flagler Road.
• At Lake Pleasant, the New Year’s Day polar plunge is slated for 10 a.m. at the boat launch in the West End.
The launch is at 10 Picnic Loop in Beaver.
Organizers said the plunge or dip at Lake Pleasant is usually over in a matter of minutes.
• In Hamma Hamma, on the Hood Canal in Mason County, Hama Hama Oysters will have its Polar Bear Dip at noon.
The benefit plunge is at 35846 U.S. Highway 101.
Entrants will pay $20 for the dip and a polar plunge party which includes a half-dozen oysters — raw or grilled — and hot, non-alcoholic drinks.
All proceeds go to support a man who has been diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
For more information, go to www.hamahamaoysters.com/products/polar-plunge- party.
