Plunge Festival
Although the official plunge into the Atlantic Ocean doesn’t take place until Sunday, Bears descend on the beach towns as early as Friday.
For that reason, the Plunge Festival was created – providing families of all sizes and ages several fun-filled activities indoors and out throughout the weekend.
Highlights
The Plunge Festival features activities designed with the “Plunging family" in mind. The highlight of the Plunge Festival is the actual Plunge itself, but we realize many Bears make it a complete weekend, and so we've scheduled activities and attractions for Bears and their families beginning as early as Friday evening.
Schedule of events and Site Map
Plan your weekend to include all of the Plunge Festival events.
The 5k Run to the Plunge
Sponsored by Jack Lingo Realtor
Online Registration is now closed but you can register at the event or at the SODE office:
Wednesday, Jan. 30, 8 a.m. - 7 p.m., Special Olympics office in Newark
Friday, Feb. 1, 5 - 8 p.m., Atlantic Sands Hotel, Rehoboth Beach
Saturday, Feb. 2, 11 a.. - 12:45 p.m., Rehoboth Avenue and the Boardwalk
Waiver only to complete and bring with you when you check in if you pre-registered.
Polar Ice Cream Throwdown
Featuring King's Ice Cream with entertainment provided by radio personalities from Cool 101.3 and Eagle 97.7
Submit your favorite Polar-inspired ice cream flavor.
Pooch Plunge
Sponsored by M&T Bank
Ice Sculpting Demonstration
Ice sculptors unleash their talents on blocks of ice on the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk in front of the Atlantic Sands Hotel beginning on Saturday at approximately 10 a.m., with judging at 1:30 p.m. Sponsored by BOSS Enterprises.
Are you an ice sculptor interested in showing off your talents? Contact Ruth Coughlan at coughlan@udel.edu or 302-831-4048 for more information.
Winner receives dinner for two, hotel stay (restrictions apply) and a plaque.
Restaurant Chili Contest
Sponsored by Peninsula Oil & Propane
2012 winners were ...
Best chili: Mariachi's
Hottest chili: Dos Locos
Most Unique chili: Cafe Azafran
Best vegetarian: Hobo's
Judges favorite: Irish Eyes
Bring your appetite and your vote as Peninsula Oil & Propane sponsors the annual Plunge Festival Restaurant Chili Contest on Saturday from 3 - 6 p.m. You can purchase your $5 ballot at any of the participating restaurants or the souvenirs area at the Atlantic Sands and then start your chili-sampling tour! (Note: you must visit at least five restaurants to be eligible to vote.)
Prizes will be awarded for the Best, Hottest, Most Unique, Best Vegetarian and Judges' favorite.
If you are an owner or manager of a restaurant in Rehoboth Beach and want to be part of this great event, contact Lisa Smith a lismith@udel.edu or 302-831-3482.
Just for Kids
There will be several things for kids of all ages to do on both days of the Plunge Festival. Click here for a complete schedule of events.
Apres Plunge Party
What's happening after the Plunge this year? The annual Apres Plunge party, of course. And you can walk to it. Click here for information about the Apres Plunge Party.
Hotels
Click here for hotels that offer Bears their special “Polar Bear Plunge rates."
Questions? Please contact us at info@sode.org or 302-831-4653