"Real polar bears swim in salt water", the locals at Birch Bay, Washington argue with pride. This beach-resort town just below the Canadian border about 100 miles north of Seattle may be small in size, but big in personality when it comes to celebrating the holidays!

Get ready to "dive in" with Julius Reque as he and hundreds more welcome the New Year with a cold splash - Polar Bear style!

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holidays, new year, july, summer, beach, bay, fireworks, polar bear plunge, Birch Bay, Washington, Julius Reque, Pacific North West, Seattle, Vancouver, snow, nature, beauty, mountains, local events, people, crowd