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.
Polar Bear Cake-Off
Delaware's own Dana Herbert, the original Next Great Baker, returns for the second annual Polar Bear Cake-Off. He will be joined by five bakers from last year's inaugural season of the show and three bakers from the second season.
At the Cake-Off, contestants are split into two teams and show off their creative talents -- while trying to keep in check their competitive spirits -- as they vie to see who can make the best Polar Bear Cake.
For more information visit the Polar Bear Cake-Off website.
The Run to the Plunge
A 5k run/walk is held at 1 p.m. on the Saturday of Plunge weekend.
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.
Restaurant Chili Contest
Over 230 people participated in the 2011 Chili Contest, sponsored by Peninsula Oil and Propane.
The winners were ...
Best chili: Mariachi (winner for third straight year)
Hottest chili: Finbar’s
Most Unique chili: Hobo’s
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 and Most Unique chili.
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