Some of us like to ring in the New Year with a brisk (OK freezing, freaking cold) dip in Lake Michigan with hundreds of other yahoos. These semi-organized events are referred to as "Polar Plunges" and usually happen all over the world.

However, due to COVID-19 and the popularity of the event, many have been canceled including the plunge at Panga Bar and Grill on Upper Nemahbin Lake in Summit. Panga will also be closed for service on New Year's Day.

Mike and Kristyn Eitel, co-owners of Panga, announced they were canceling the popular New Year’s Day event due to safety concerns relating to COVID-19 safety protocols.

“It really saddens us to have to make this decision but it’s the right thing to do for a multitude of reasons,” the Eitels wrote in a joint statement.  "“With the spread of the virus worsening over the last few weeks, we realized we don’t have the ability to safely provide the types of shelter necessary to protect soaking wet people in sub-freezing temps on top of our COVID safety protocols."

The annual Polar Plunge at Bonnie's Lakeside in Three Lakes, Wis. was also canceled.

However, the unsponsored, informal Polar Plunge at Bradford Beach will most likely still take place. Polar Plunge Milwaukee is selling 2021 merch for plungers although they have a disclaimer on their website reading, "Please let it be clear we are an independent organization and NOT the organizers of the this event."

Personally, I'm gonna pass on the silly, spirited, ice-cold event, not only because I am avoiding crowds these days due to the pandemic, but also because I vowed in 2012 I would never do it again.