A new year's tradition continued at the Econfina Creek this afternoon.

The 8th Annual Arctic Wolf Jump kicked off the new year for some brave people who plunged into Econfina Creek for charity.

The event featured plenty of, food, animals, and fun.

Dr. Mark Wolf decided eight years ago that he wanted to do something to raise money for charity that wasn't like anything else around.

What better way to do that than to jump in Econfina Creek in January.

Dr. Mark Wolf of the Arctic Wolf Club said, "We decided it would be a nice idea to have a new year's party with our friends. Do something that would be a lot of fun and help some other people."

You can pay $10 to jump into water, or $20 to watch everyone else jump. Either way participants say it's a fun way to start the new year and raise some money for a good cause.

"It was fun. Cold, but fun. We've been doing it for the last four years and have a lot of fun."

Over the years the event has raised over 15 thousand dollars for charities like the anchorage children's home, and the council on aging, among others.

But taking a dip, or in most cases a splash is just part of the fun. There were pony rides, wolf howling contest and of course an arctic wolf.

"The Seacrest Wolf Preserve has been with us the whole time. They bring the wolves down and give an important lecture on the environment."

The Arctic Jump is a fun way to wash away 2008 and ring in 2009 at Econfina Creek.

At least 75 people decided to jump in the creek this year. They raised almost $4,000 for charity this year.