Local News

Photos: Frozen Bun Run results in frozen buns

New Years Day tradition returns to the Rusty Porthole on Bethel Island

by Ray Saint Germain January 2, 2023January 2, 2023

Robert Lopez of Oakley starts his run at the 43rd Frozen Bun Run at the Rusty Porthole on Bethel Island, Calif. on Jan. 1, 2023. This was Lopez’ first time skiing the Bun Run. (Ray Saint Germain/Bay City News)

Hunters watch Amy Singh of Discovery Bay finish her first Bun Run. (Ray Saint Germain/Bay City News)

Recovering from the double whammy of the worst storm of recent memory happening on the year’s biggest party night didn’t stop 21 people from heading to the Delta early Sunday morning to freeze their rear ends off.

Jianna Ganem, 18 and Ian Hornberger, 19, both of Discovery Bay, jump in the cold Delta water. (Ray Saint Germain/Bay City News)

It was the goal at the 43rd annual Frozen Bun Run, where waterskiers and wakeboarders celebrate New Year’s Day by doing something most would consider insane: take to the water near the Rusty Porthole.

Spectators at the 43rd Frozen Bun Run at the Rusty Porthole. (Ray Saint Germain/Bay City News)

After taking two years off thanks to the pandemic, spectators stayed warm at two full bars, a bloody mary station, a beer truck, and a hot bar.

(L-R) Sisters, Tracy and Tiffany Emerson both of Bethel Island, volunteer at a drink booth. (Ray Saint Germain/Bay City News)

“Buns are definitely frozen“
First time bun runner Robert Lopez of Oakley

Robert Lopez of Oakley gets air during his first Frozen Bun Run. (Ray Saint Germain/Bay City News)

The first two to sign up for a tandem run were 17-year-old Shelbee Hart and 16-year-old Isabella Ellsworth, both from Discovery Bay.

(L-R) Shelby Hart, 17, and Isabella Ellsworth, 16, both of Discovery Bay, head to the dock. (Ray Saint Germain/Bay City News)

Shelbee said it would be her “last opportunity before college,’ while Isabella said “I heard about it from some people and it sounded really fun.”

“One time a guy jumped out of a plane; that was my favorite“
Dannille Peeler, manager of the Rusty Porthole for 15 years

Rusty Porthole manager, Dannille Peeler, makes Bloody Marys. (Ray Saint Germain/Bay City News)

Some more photos from the days festivities

Ben Methner, 14, of Sonoma gets air during his run. (Ray Saint Germain/Bay City News)

Shelbee Hart, 17, of Discovery Bay before her run. (Ray Saint Germain/Bay City News)

Barry Rose of Oakley during his first time skiing the Frozen Bun Run. (Ray Saint Germain/Bay City News)

Jaylene Ganem, 13, of Discovery Bay reacts to the cold Delta water. (Ray Saint Germain/Bay City News)

John Methner, 16, of Sonoma finishes his run. (Ray Saint Germain/Bay City News)

(L-R) Blind skier, Daniel Witte of Castro Valley, talks to his cousin driving the boat, Ryan Brunham. (Ray Saint Germain/Bay City News)

(L-R) Blind skier, Daniel Witte of Castro Valley, and his cousin, driving the boat, Ryan Brunham. (Ray Saint Germain/Bay City News)

Isabella Ellsworth, 16, before her run at the 43rd Frozen Bun Run at the Rusty Porthole on Bethel Island, Calif. on Jan. 1, 2023. (Ray Saint Germain/Bay City News)

Noah Tucker, 20, of Melbourne , Australia goes commando during the 43rd Frozen Bun Run at the Rusty Porthole on Bethel Island, Calif. on Jan. 1, 2023. This was Tucker’s first time at the Bun Run. (Ray Saint Germain/Bay City News)

Shelbee Hart, 17, of Discovery Bay before her run at the 43rd Annual Frozen Bun Run at the Rusty Porthole on Bethel Island, Calif. on Jan. 1, 2023. (Ray Saint Germain/Bay City News)

1 / 11