Reminder: Want to welcome 2022 with a splash? Polar Bear Plunge Jan. 1

A plunger makes a splash in 2018. (File photo by Larry Vogel)
Here’s a memorable way to bring in the New Year. The Edmonds Uplift Society is hosting its 15th Polar Bear Plunge at Edmonds Brackett’s Landing beach, 1 p.m. at the foot of Main Street — just north of the Edmonds-Kingston ferry terminal — and all are invited to participate.
The event traditionally draws several hundred people to Brackett’s Landing beach for a cold-water dip on New Year’s Day. It was officially canceled in 2021 due to the pandemic, although groups of people did show up throughout the day to take the plunge anyway.

Daphnes bar owner and event founder Brian Taylor said that a pre-function party will occur at noon at Daphnes, located at 415 1/2 Main St.The Edmonds Polar Bear Plunge got its start in 2008. Taylor had participated in similar events elsewhere over the years, and one evening over a few drinks with friends it was suggested that the time was ripe to institute a polar bear plunge in Edmonds. Inspired by a 1932 photograph from the Edmonds Historical Museum archives showing the Edmonds Uplift Society, a prohibition-era drinking club, Taylor and others decided to revive the Uplift Society as the event sponsor. In recognition, the museum donated a print of the original Uplift Society members hoisting a few cold Rainiers, and that image continues to occupy a place of honor in Daphnes Bar.

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