Big freeze

Thousands brave frigid water for Polar Bear Plunge

This article was published on 01.07.16

Honoring a deeply rooted local tradition known as the Polar Bear Plunge, thousands of Chicoans showed up at 1 p.m. on New Year’s Day and, whatever their reason, swam across the near-freezing waters of Sycamore Pool at One-Mile Recreation Area. People less adventurous lined the pool and enjoyed the spectacle on solid ground, while the wisest among them wore layers and sipped hot cocoa.

Honoring a deeply rooted local tradition known as the Polar Bear Plunge, thousands of Chicoans showed up at 1 p.m. on New Year’s Day and, whatever their reason, swam across the near-freezing waters of Sycamore Pool at One-Mile Recreation Area. People less adventurous lined the pool and enjoyed the spectacle on solid ground, while the wisest among them wore layers and sipped hot cocoa.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SARAH SAUTNER

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