See Insane Footage of Montana Whackos Swimming in Freezing Temps

There are many New Year's traditions around the world. Some are pretty tame, while some are flat-out bizarre. Take harmless traditions like eating black-eyed peas and collard greens. People believe that it will supply them with good luck and fortune in the year to come.

Some traditions are just bizarre. And they seem to have a different one regardless of what corner of the world you are in.

• In Ecuador, they burn scarecrows.
• In South Africa, they wear colored underwear
• In Italy, they throw furniture out of windows.
• In Denmark, they break plates
• In Romania, they talk to animals
• In Bigfork, Montana, they take an icy plunge into Flathead Lake.

The annual Polar Bear Plunge has become a big deal for residents of Bigfork and the Flathead Valley. People from all over the state, and parts of the world, strip down for some frigid fun on New Year's Day.

Check out what happened the 2022 plunge

It is all hosted by one of my favorite stops on Flathead Lake, The Raven. The Raven is one of the coolest bars in Montana. Located on the shore of Woods Bay, in the summer you can park your boat at the dock and quench your thirst with a drink. In the winter, things are a little bit different. But the party vibe is about the same.

The annual Polar Bear Plunge begins with a short parade of all of the participants. With costumes encouraged, it is a sight to see. The parade leads down to the shore of Flathead Lake, where the infamous plunge takes place. Adventure seekers strip down to their bathing suits and simply jump into the freezing water.

Needless to say, it was some ICE COLD water

WATCH footage from the 2023/24 polar plunge!