Two upcoming events in Birch Bay are sure to start the new year off right.
On New Year’s Eve at 7 p.m., the annual Ring of Fire and Hope event will take place along the shore of Birch Bay. Participants will line the shore and light road flares as a symbol of peace and hope. “It looks like Christmas lights dotting the beach,” said Liz Thornton, executive director of the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce.
On Tuesday, December 31, a limited quantity of biodegradable flares will be available at 5 p.m. at the Birch Bay Visitor Information Center, 7900 Birch Bay Drive. However, participants are encouraged to bring their own spikeless flares. Spikeless flares can be purchased from Pacific Building Center, 2677 Bell Road, which will be open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. that day.
On New Year’s Day, the 37th annual Birch Bay Polar Bear Plunge will occur at noon sharp. Every year, about 2,000 people attend the annual tradition, with many hopping into the water up and down the bay. Brave participants can register online or beginning at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, January 1.
Many who take part don costumes for their goosebump-producing splash in the bay. A costume contest will take place at 11 a.m. with prizes for the best group, best individual, most unique costume, best-dressed kid and best-dressed pet. No awards will be given for length of time in the water.
There will be warming stations and hot drinks, as well as commemorative merchandise for sale, including beanies, t-shirts, sweatshirts and stickers. The event’s mascot, Burr Bear, will make an appearance to entertain kids, who will be eligible to receive small certificates that say “I took the plunge.”
“It’s a fun way to kick off the new year and it gets pretty crazy,” said Thornton. To learn more about the upcoming events, call 360/371-5004 or visit birchbaychamber.com.
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