BIRCH BAY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – As 2024 comes to an end, many folks are taking a plunge into icy waters to ring in the new year. 

The Birch Bay Polar Plunge will be set up at 10 a.m. on Jan. 1 for registration and is a great way for folks in northern Whatcom County to get involved in the frigid activity. The plunge itself will take place at noon followed by a warming tent, cocoa, live music, games and free food.

The event will also hold a Warm Clothing Drive for those in need of warm garb in the Birch Bay area. They are specifically seeking hats, blankets, scarves, sweaters and jackets.

This is the second year the Birch Bay Polar Plunge is taking place, but the first year the event is taking clothing donations. The Community Assistance Program in Blaine will distribute the items collected in the week following the donation drive.

For those brave enough to venture into the frigid bay on New Year’s Day be sure to prepare accordingly and stay warm following the plunge.

“It’s definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said Gary Sytsma, the event’s coordinator.

Tune into KGMI AM 790 in the morning on Dec. 31 to listen to the full interview between Dianna Hawryluk and the event’s coordinator Gary Sytsma.