Image by Flickr user Margarita Banting

Update January 2, reports: The Post and Courier made it out to Sullivan's Island where the money raised would go to support Special Olympics of South Carolina.

Thousands came out on the warm day and the paper has a nice report on the festiveness and a nice photo gallery. I'll call you attention to this zany photo of "Skoogie" and this incident of a not-so-great idea to turn up looking like a bomb strapped suicide bomber.

I haven't seen anything yet about the events at Summerville or James Island — but photos usually start popping up online soon as does a report from the Charleston City Paper. We'll let you know.

First reporting: Come January 1 Dunleavy's Pub on Sullivan's Island and Snapper Jack's on Folly Beach will be holding their annual polar bear plunges — and they'll be joined by a new comer the Summerville YMCA.

But unless you live on the outskirts of Charleston, stick with one of the originals which is sure to be zanier and have more of an after party.

Charleston Scene has a nice preview of all three and how you can sign up; take a read here.

Depending on your perspective, this will be a great or lousy year for the plunge as highs are expected to hit 70.