It’s time for the brave to pick out a crazy outfit, and for the not-so-brave to screw their courage to the sticking place – it’s almost time for the annual Orcas Island Rowing Club Polar Bear Plunge.

“One of OIR’s most spectacular and thrilling events is the annual Polar Bear Plunge,” say organizers.

This year, as always, the plunge will happen promptly at 11 a.m. on the first day of the year at Cascade Lake swim area.

“It’s a fantastic adventure and a great way to share the New Year,” said organizers. “I guarantee you will feel rejuvenated after doing it. It’s a truly great investment in times when they can be hard to come by! So be there and do it for yourself. In case you need another excuse, or maybe your family needs a reason to come with you, we will be serving a pancake breakfast right after the plunge. There is a large shelter with a big open fireplace. It will be a fine warm and tasty place to bath in the after-glow of the plunge and chat with friends on the first morning of 2012.”