For those crazy folks who like to start their new year with a dip in the sometimes frigid and other times balmy waters of Kawkawa Lake, they will have to do so on their own initiative as there won’t be an organized polar bear swim this January 1.

Tourism promoter Brian McKinney shared the news via social media, remarking that the event had gotten bigger over the past few years with donations, support and help from local citizens and companies. Lamenting that 2021 won’t have an organized New Years Day dip, McKinney stated that in 2022 the event will be “bigger, wetter, colder!”

Sad news, yet we’re looking forward to the next swim set for Jan. 1, 2022. Here are some fun shots from previous years events.

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These brave women took the plunge at the Jan. 1, 2019 Polar Bear Swim at Kawkawa Lake. (Submitted photo)