by Katie Kresly.
Dozens of hearty Burien Polar Bears rushed into the chilly Puget Sound on January 1st to usher in 2025 at the Three Tree Point Polar Bear Plunge.
Nearly 70 residents jumped in, but only Ginger “Orca” Harris surfaced as the best-dressed plunger in the Costume Contest! She was bestowed with the trophy in front nearly 200 enthusiast onlookers.
Congratulations to Ginger who will proudly display the coveted trophy until January 1, 2026.
Local neighbor and reigning champion Joe Hauser helped to select the winner, then he passed along his 2024 trophy to the joyful Orca. We later chatted with Hauser at the Three Tree Point Store. He was still trying to figure out if he could have judged AND plunged at the same time!
Several neighbors came dressed for the occasion. We saw a child dressed as a banana, a Viking, festive hats, Hawaiian shirts, several festive leis, and Ginger’s husband dressed as one of Santa’s helpers.
Burien residents were ready to brave any type of weather, but fortunately, Mother Nature was kind this January 1st.
We wish our Burien and Highline neighbors a magnificent and smooth 2025!
Here are a few photos of our Burien Polar Bears:
