Residents and visitors of Door County can start the year on a warmer note thanks to COVID-19. The Jacksonport Polar Bear Club has called off its annual New Year’s Day plunge into Lake Michigan due to coronavirus concerns. The event has attracted hundreds of swimmers in recent years while raising thousands for local groups like the Jacksonport Fire Department and Feed My People Door County. Founder J.R. Jarosh says with New Year’s Day falling on a three day weekend this year, it was a chance for a spread the organization did not want to take.

Jarosh admits that it is likely to continue his tradition of starting the year in Lake Michigan. He is already inviting people to take part in the official 35th plunge in 2022 and make up for this year by going in twice.