New Year’s Day revelers dash into the chilly waters of Wallowa Lake on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024, during the annual Beth Gibans Memorial Wallowa Lake Polar Bear Plunge. Another group is expected to take the plunge Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025.

WALLOWA LAKE — Todd Ambroson hopes he will make it Wednesday, Jan. 1, to the annual Beth Gibans Memorial Wallowa Lake Polar Bear Plunge, but he’s waiting for his doctor’s OK.

He said Monday, Dec. 23, that he has a “bit of a foot malady” that could hinder him.

“If my doctor allows me, I hate to break a tradition,” he said. “Sometimes I go early to avoid the rush.”

Ambroson is the sole remaining founder of the plunge that began with five people.

Each New Year’s morning at 10 a.m., hearty souls strip to their bathing suits to brave the chilly waters of Wallowa Lake at the county boat ramp at the north end of the lake. Most bring along a towel and a robe and plan on a quick change to warmer clothing.

Ambroson said he’s pleased the event has grown like it has. This year, there were more than 100 people — plus a few dogs — who took part.

Rechristened in memory of Gibans in 2022, the informal event has been going on at least since 2007.

Gibans died in June 2021 at age 58.

She was known in the county for starting Backyard Gardens and the Wallowa County Farmers Market. She also was known for her love of the outdoors, including the lake.

With this year being the 18th for the event, Ambroson is pleased to see how it’s grown.

“It’s hard to believe that time has gone that fast. It’s sure grown,” he said. “I like that so many people appreciate it. They come from La Grande and farther away.”

Not everyone has to get in the water and dodge ice cubes, he said.

“We get a lot of people who just want to watch.”