Along with many other communities, Lacey has a New Year's Day tradition that has enthusiastic participants, while others shake their heads with bemusement.
The city has scheduled the annual Polar Bear Plunge, the 37th time for the event, which is managed by the Parks and Recreation Department. Although many plunges are used to raise funds for local charities, in Lacey the event is just held for fun. Participants who were interviewed have said they felt the event washed away the past and gave them a new start for a new year.
Last year, people came in costume; there were several polar bears, two penguins, two tyrannosaurus rexes, and at least one Santa Claus. Santa in this case was Shaun Rose, one of three people who started the event. They began the plunge in Olympia, and later moved it to Lacey. In 2019, the air temperature was at freezing, and the water was 43 degrees. About 300 people took part, jumping from a dock into the lake. The dock has been removed, but the fun will go ahead.
The Plunge will take place January 1, 2021, at Long Lake Park on Carpenter Road SE. The event starts as 12:00 noon with special activities, and the plunge itself is set for 1:00 pm. Banner printing can be used to provide seasonal decorations for outdoor events like this, since Banners are sturdy and stand up to weather conditions of all kinds.
Get a Free Quote for Banners
Location
8410 30th Ave NE
Unit A
Lacey, WA 98516
Get Directions →
Phone
Hours
Mon: 9:00 - 5:00
Tue: 9:00 - 5:00
Wed: 9:00 - 5:00
Thu: 9:00 - 5:00
Fri: 9:00 - 5:00
Sat: Closed
Sun: Closed