Bellingham's Polar Bear Swim will take place New Years Day at Lake Padden at noon. There will also be a Resolution Run at 11 a.m.  The run has no set distance and is not timed. Both events are free, with no registration required, just come on out and have some fun.

The Birch Bay Polar Bear Plunge will be  celebrating its 25th anniversary. It  will begin with the "Ring of Fire and Hope" at 7 p.m. on New Year's Eve with more than 700 road flares placed in the sand, reflecting light around the entire bay. Registration for the Polar Bear Plunge will start at 10 a.m.Tuesday at CJ's Beach House Restaurant located on Birch Bay Drive.

The cost will be $2 for participants who want a certificate and hot beverages, and $10 for those who also want a Polar Bear Plunge T-shirt. The festive atmosphere at Birch Bay will include contests such as Oldest Participant and Best Group Costume, at the restaurant at 11:30 a.m. The plunge into the bay will take place at noon.

photo courtesy Flickr.com By thanasim25