Community
Dozens welcome in new year with plunge into Olalla Bay
For decades — it’s hard to say for certain how many – hundreds of hardy souls have gathered on the Olalla bridge next to Al’s Store (now known as Olalla Bay Market) to celebrate the new year by plunging into the frigid waters of Olalla Creek. This year’s crowd was smaller than usual, but no less enthusiastic. Most jumpers were local — Gig Harbor, Port Orchard and Olalla — and a tiny propane-fueled fire pot took the place of the usual roaring bonfire, but there was an espresso truck, a hotdog stand and a table of free cookies and cupcakes to warm the shivering jumpers. Everyone who jumped got a certificate confirming their prowess.
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Photos by Charlee Glock-Jackson and Gary Jackson
Readying the cannon for the shot at high noon — the official start of the Olalla Polar Bear Plunge.
Christmasy jumpers
Pink Gorilla Espresso kept the coffee brewing at the Olalla Polar Bear Plunge.
A trio of jumpers displaying various styles.
Guy Storz, co-owner of HauteDogs, readies the onions for dressing the hotdogs.
A jumper goes feet first.
Marta Olson Drevniak and Chris Renfro did steady business selling polar bear merchandise and signing jumpers’ certificates.
Leah French and Hope French are now certified Olalla Polar Bear plungers.
Free cookies courtesy of Joy Lynn Hoskins.
From left, Leah French, Justin Messser, Colby Messer and Hope French all made the plunge.
The unofficial bonfire
Jeannine Mackie, left and Jennifer Butler, both of Gig Harbor, made the plunge into Olalla Bay. It was Jennifer’s second time jumping and Jeannine’s first.
HauteDogs crew, from left, Megan Marshall, Alex Marshall and Guy Storz celebrated their first day of business at the Olalla Polar Bear Plunge.
Margaret McKenzie of Olalla’s third year. She missed last year because she was nine months pregnant.
Kersplash!