It’s not uncommon to hear about winter running events, but generally these involve running in the cold and a bare bottom is not an option.

However, like with most things on Bethel Island, the folks there are a bit more laid-back, and the island’s Frozen Bun Run organizers let the event’s water skiing and ski board competitors decide if bun covers are needed.

“There will be a costume contest again this year,” said Kimi Brunham, who owns the Rusty Porthole, which hosts the event, and explains that clothes are optional.

Optional attire has been part of the Frozen Bun Run adventure since the event was started 43 years ago by the restaurant’s original owners. Brunham, who has been around for 24 of the 43 years — 20 years as the restaurant’s owner — loves the idea as long as people are having a great time.

While no snow is expected on the East County island during the New Year’s Day event, the water temperature, according to the state’s Water Resources Department, should be 46 to 48 degrees. Brunham said many people were disappointed that the event had to be canceled for the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She expects that the crowds will return this year.

“We can get anywhere from 15 to 35 skiers and boarders to be out on the water,” she said.

All water skiers are asked to sign up on the day of the event with a $10 charge. The Frozen Bun Run starts at 8 a.m. at the dock by the restaurant at 3893 Willow Road on Bethel Island.

The public is welcome to come out and watch from the levees or boats on the river. Those in boats can dock to get food and drinks from the restaurants for short periods. Car parking will be available just down the street from the Rusty Porthole at Russo’s Marina. There will also be a couple of golf carts around to help those who need them to make their way to the event site.

The Rusty Porthole will host two full bars, a Bloody Mary station and a beer truck. There will also be a place to warm up with some drinks from the hot bar that the restaurant will have set up. While the Rusty Porthole doesn’t usually have breakfast, it will serve breakfast and lunch during the Frozen Bun Run.

The crowd can get heavy, with an estimated 1,500 watching in previous years, so Brunham suggests getting an early start. The Rusty Porthole sells T-shirts and glasses with the Frozen Bun Run logo at the event only.

Supporting the troops: Last week, members of the Seams to Help, an East County quilting club, drove out to Central County to meet with the Blue Star Moms, who were organizing the assembly and delivery of individual care packages for deployed U.S. military troops.

The Seams to Help club donated 200 custom-made pillowcases for soldiers to be added to the care packages. While there, the volunteers helped load and seal boxes. The pillowcases were placed with other donations into individual boxes that were part of care packages sent to deployed troops. The Seams to Help volunteers also put together fleece hats for all the children in the Head Start program who live in Oakley and Brentwood.

Ice rink: The Brentwood on Ice skating rink will remain open till Jan. 8. Those interested in skating on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are encouraged to buy tickets online in advance. Hours of operation for the holiday weekend are from 10 a.m. to the end of the 9:30 p.m. session on Christmas Eve and from 2 p.m. to the end of the 9:30 p.m. session on Christmas Day.

The rink will also be open on New Year’s Eve from 10 a.m. to the end of the 9:30 p.m. session and during its regular Sunday hours on New Year’s Day. For tickets, visit eventbrite.com/e/brentwood-on-ice-tickets-452086371507 online.

Roni Gehlke can be reached at oakleynow@comcast.net.