New Year's revelry doesn't end in the hours after midnight in Coeur d'Alene. Each year, it continues on Jan. 1 with a couple of local customs that offer unique ways to shake off the old year and kick-start the new one.

- Polar Bear Plunge

For hundreds of people, racing into the chilly waters of Lake Coeur d'Alene has become an annual tradition.

The Polar Bear Plunge takes place again this year Thursday at noon at Sanders Beach.

Roughly 500 people show up every year to run into the lake, dive under the water, and run back out even faster. The first unofficial Polar Bear Plunge occurred Nov. 21, 1978.

According to lakecoeurdalene.com, the temperature of the lake water was 43 degrees on Dec. 5, and it should grow a little colder by Jan. 1.

The National Weather service is predicting good weather for New Year's Day, with temperatures in the mid-20s.

For those who want to be a Polar Bear Plunger, bring:

* Towels for drying off and for standing on.

* Wear sandals, aqua socks, or old tennis shoes. Running in bare feet can be painful.

* Coffee or hot chocolate is good.

* Support crew to help you get back into dry clothes and encourage you in case you change your mind in the final minutes.

Some advice: Don't stay in the water too long. Get in, get out, dry off. If you're feeling fine, some double dip.

Be sure to arrive early, about 30 minutes or so. There will be plenty of traffic and parking can be difficult to find. You should expect to walk several blocks to get to the plunge on the west end of Sanders Beach.

- Hangover Handicap

For those looking to launch into the new year with some locomotion, there is Tesh's Hangover Handicap.

The 5-mile, New Year's Day fun run begins at 9:30 a.m. Thursday behind Michael D's restaurant, 203 E. Coeur d'Alene Lake Drive.

Runners, walkers, dogs on leashes and babies in strollers will then embark on a scenic course along Lake Coeur d'Alene.

Frances Huffman, Tesh CEO, said that although the weather is usually chilly during the run, it's hardly noticeable because of the warmth generated from everyone involved.

"There are people who have been all 38 years," Huffman said. "The run reminds me of a family reunion of sorts where we are all back together again starting the new year."

Last year's run attracted a record 580 participants and raised $16,000 for Tesh.

"We're hoping to have at least that many this year," Huffman said. "We would love to do that."

The funds raised during the event aid the nonprofit in its ability to offer support services - life and employment skills training, job coaching and counseling, and child development services - to Kootenai County residents with disabilities.

"A big part of what we want to do is to provide the training and services people need in order to participate in the community," Huffman said. "Our way of giving back to the community is empowering people with disabilities to live more independently."

Registration for the event will take place in a heated tent for those who pre-registered as well as participants registering the day of the run. The cost is $25, which includes a long-sleeved T-shirt, or $15 without a T-shirt.

To register for the Hangover Handicap or for more information on Tesh, visit the organization's website at www.teshinc.com or call (208) 765-5105.