The annual Polar Bear Plunge — where hardy souls welcome in the New Year with a quick swim at Edmonds’ Brackett Landing — is scheduled for Jan. 1, 2019.

According to Daphne’s owner and event founder Brian Taylor, participants will plunge as usual at 1 p.m. Jan. 1 at Brackett’s Landing. Taylor, his wife Louise Favier and their children Kate and Jack will be on hand for the event.

The Edmonds Polar Bear Plunge got its start in 2008. Taylor had participated in similar events over the years, and one evening over a few drinks with friends it was suggested that the time was ripe to institute a polar bear plunge in Edmonds.

Inspired by a 1932 photograph from the Edmonds Historical Museum archives showing the Edmonds Uplift Society, a prohibition-era drinking club, Taylor and others decided to revive the Uplift Society as the event sponsor. In recognition, the museum donated a print of the original Uplift Society members hoisting a few cold Rainiers, and that image continues to occupy a place of honor in Daphne’s Bar.

Last year, the Uplift Society closed its books and retired the signature white bathrobes that have been part of the plunge tradition. But Taylor says that “anyone over 21 who shows up at Daphne’s in any type of bathrobe… we usually can rustle up a Rainier Beer for them.”

As always, those gathered at Daphne’s pre-plunge will raise a toast, sing “God Bless America” and then stroll down Main Street to Brackett’s Landing.

The Daphne’s crowd will be joined at the beach by hundreds of other participants of all ages, who will take the plunge at about 1 p.m.

“Timing is always a bit dodgy…like herding cats,” Taylor said.

In ongoing appreciation for the Edmonds Historical Museum’s donation of the Uplift Society print, Taylor said that Daphne’s will donate $500 to museum. Salish Sea Brewing Co. owner Jeff Barnett is matching that donation, as he did last year.

All those who participate in the Polar Bear Plunge are also encouraged to make a donation to museum.