SLIDESHOW | Hundreds dive into Olalla Bay during 30th Polar Bear Jump

Published 2:09 pm Wednesday, January 1, 2014

OLALLA — Hundreds of people started the new year taking a dive into the cold clear water of Olalla Bay during the 30th Polar Bear Jump.

Before the noon firing of the ceremonial cannon — floating on a barge — dozens of people, of all ages, took the plunge off the Olalla Bridge with temperatures in the low 40s. After jumping, people converged on a bonfire near the bridge.

While many of the plungers wore swimsuits, others donned a variety of costumes and other clothing.

The celebration began in 1984 with a dozen jumpers and two dogs. But since then, the event has grown and attracts hundreds of people throughout the United States.

The Olalla Community Club setup a booth for refreshments and certificates for jumpers.