Ring in New Year at Birch Bay events

By Stefanie Donahue

Two events in Birch Bay are sure to start the New Year off right.

Beginning at 7 p.m. on Monday, December 31 is the Ring of Fire and Hope. As part of the annual event, participants line the shore of Birch Bay and light road flares as a symbol of peace and hope.

“It’s a visual representation of community spirit,” said Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce executive director Douglas Bennion. “Dress warm and bring good thoughts.”

Complimentary road flares will be available for pickup at 5:30 p.m. on December 31 at the Visitor Information Center, located at 7900 Birch Bay Drive. Road flares can also be purchased at Pacific Building Center, located at 2677 Bell Road.

Bennion said chamber of commerce board members Billy Brown and Iain Buchanan helped pay for the chamber’s supply of road flares this year.

“[Ring of Fire and Hope] is a chance for people to engage in the community,” he said.

On Tuesday, January 1 is the Polar Bear Plunge, which draws hundreds of swimmers to Birch Bay Beach Park each year. Many who take part in the annual tradition don costumes for their goosebump-producing splash in the bay.

Participants are asked to register online at bit.ly/2CjXUFP or in-person in order to receive a certificate or to participate in a costume contest, of which there are several categories, including ‘Best Dressed,’ ‘Most Creative Under Age 12,’ ‘Most Creative Team’ and ‘Best Dressed Pet.’

On-site registration begins at 10 a.m., the costume contest begins at 11 a.m. and the Polar Bear Plunge begins at noon.

Bennion said there will be warming stations as well as food and drink vendors. Commemorative t-shirts and sweatshirts can also be pre-ordered by emailing info@birchbaychamber.com and picked up at the event.

To learn more, visit birchbaywa.org.