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Harbor Happenings | Plunging in to 2025

Posted on December 31st, 2024 By: Charlee Glock-Jackson

Start 2025 with a splash at Olalla’s annual New Year’s Day Polar Bear Plunge from the bridge next to Olalla Bay Market and Landing.

The tradition goes back farther than many folks can remember. Most people believe John Robbecke and his pals started it several decades ago. John’s father, Al, owned the store, then known as Al’s of Olalla. John took over when Al died.

Since its earliest days, the Polar Bear Plunge has attracted hundreds of jumpers, many decked out in costumes, formal wear or other festive gear. (On several occasions, recently-divorced ladies have done the jump wearing their wedding dresses, to “wash away all the bad vibes of the past.”)

A scene from the 2024 Olalla Polar Bear Plunge on Jan. 1, 2024. Photo by Julie Warrick Ammann

The jump officially starts at noon, with a blast from a cannon fired from a raft in the lagoon. Some jumpers take the plunge much earlier.

Every jumper receives an official certificate verifying their feat. Certificates will be available at Olalla Bay Landing all day, and the building will also serve as a warming and changing station.

Camp Seymour Polar Bear Plunge

On the Key Peninsula, Camp Seymour’s yearly Polar Bear Plunge, from 10 a.m. to noon on Jan. 1, includes brunch, changing rooms and hot showers. It’s free for YMCA members and anyone registered for the Y’s 2025 summer camps. The cost is $5 for all others. Every jumper must wear a life jacket. To register for the KP jump, email [email protected].

Beach monitoring

Harbor WildWatch biologists lead a low-tide beach walk starting at 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 1, at Tacoma Narrows Park, 1502 Lucille Parkway NW. Meet in the parking area. Get detailed information on the WildWatch Facebook page or website. Free and family friendly.

Art show

A new art show featuring work by Sabreenah Essen opens Monday, Jan. 6 at Tacoma Community College’s Gig Harbor campus. Essen calls her show “Cognitive Dissonance: Living While Black.” Gallery hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday. Free.

Wine tasting

Two Loons Winery hosts the year’s first tasting from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4. Sample the winery’s 2023 Alvarinho, 2018 Merlot, 2018 Cabernet Franc, 2019 Moo-Zhur-In (100% malbec) and the “winemaker’s choice” for January. Two Loons is located at 9422 22nd Ave NW.

Live music

The T-Town Aces play rock & roll Friday, Jan. 3 at Kimball Coffeehouse. Doors open at 6 p.m., music starts at 7 p.m. Free and family friendly. Kimball is at 6659 Kimball Dr.

Also Friday starting at 6:30 p.m., 3 Trick Pony brings their interpretation of classic rock tunes and funky classics to the loft at the Olalla Winery. Purchase tickets here.

At the movies

The Galaxy Theatres’ Flashback Cinema movie on Sunday, Jan. 5 is “Clue,” the 1980s comedy based on the popular board game, presented with all three of its original different endings. “Clue” stars Madeline Kahn, Christopher Lloyd, Tim Curry and Eileen Brennan. Showtimes are at noon and 6 p.m.