For those who like to welcome in the New Year with a refreshing (read: cold) dip in Puget Sound, the Edmonds Uplift Society is taking registrations for its fifth annual Polar Bear Plunge, with all proceeds to benefit the Edmonds Historical Museum. (We’ve included our video interview last year with Daphne’s owner Brian Taylor, who co-founded the event with his wife Louise Favier, plus highlights of the Jan. 1, 2011 plunge — in 27-degree weather, we might add.
For those unfamiliar with the event, you don’t have to belong to the Uplift Society to participate. But those who do join — for a $100 initial fee — receive an embroidered terry cloth robe and a 24-ounce Rainier Beer to be consumed at Daphne’s, along with an Edmonds Uplift Society membership card. (Returning Uplift Society members pay just $25 yearly for new embroidery to commemorate the year’s event.)
To register as a new or returning member, swing by Daphnes, 415 1/2 Main St., with a check or money order made out to Edmonds Uplift Society, a registered non-profit corporation with the State of Washington (UBI #602-769-606). No cash or credit cards accepted for payment
Registration deadline is Friday, Dec. 9 and current members should turn in their robes with their payment, so new embroidery can be applied. And remember that all profits from the event are donated to the museum, which is only fitting given the history of the event. (As the story goes, Taylor approached Joni Sein, then director of the Edmonds Museum, for Edmonds historical photos — in particular, those related to drinking — to hang on the wall of his establishment. “A short time later, she called to tell me she had found a great photo of the Edmonds Uplift Society (circa 1932) where the fellas were drinking root beer,” Taylor said. Closer examination revealed that the root beer was actually Rainier Beer, and the photo became the focal point for one of the bar’s walls.)
Here’s the schedule for Jan. 1:
11 a.m. Meet at Daphne’s
12:30 p.m. Rainier Toast to 1932 Edmonds Uplift Society plus rousing rendition of plunger-orchestrated “God Bless America”
12:45 p.m. March down Main Street to Brackett’s Landing
1:00 p.m. PLUNGE
1:01 p.m. Continue routine New Year’s Day festivities
