An estimated 1,000 hearty souls gathered at Brackett’s Landing New Year’s Day to welcome 2020 during the annual Polar Bear Plunge.

With warmer-than-usual temperatures hovering near 50 degrees and partly sunny skies, the crowd boldly followed the lead of new Plunge Beach Master Michele Miller, who hoisted the golden plunger and directed the crowd to join her for a quick dip in Puget Sound.

As usual, event founder Brian Taylor was on hand for the event — leading the 21-and-0ver crowd in a toast at Daphne’s Bar, followed by the walk down Main Street to the waterfront.

The Edmonds Polar Bear Plunge got its start in 2008. Taylor had participated in similar events over the years, and one evening over a few drinks with friends it was suggested that the time was ripe to institute a polar bear plunge in Edmonds.

Inspired by a 1932 photograph from the Edmonds Historical Museum archives showing the Edmonds Uplift Society, a prohibition-era drinking club, Taylor and others decided to revive the Uplift Society as the event sponsor. In recognition, the museum donated a print of the original Uplift Society members hoisting a few cold Rainiers, and that image continues to occupy a place of honor in Daphne’s Bar. In 2018, the Uplift Society closed its books and retired the signature white bathrobes that have been part of the plunge tradition. But wearing any bathrobe to the event is still encouraged, and many kept the traditional alive on Wednesday.

The event serves as a fundraiser for the museum, and both Taylor and Salish Sea Brewing owner Jeff Barnett donated more than $1,000 to the cause.

— Photos by Julia Wiese