Warmer weather could help Lewes plunge

This year, for the second time in five years, the Lewes Polar Bear Plunge was rescheduled due to inclement weather. But as the ice and snow finally melt away, organizers this week were making preparations for high anticipation and quite possibly the event’s biggest turnout to date. Plungers, runners and spectators can expect a fun-filled, weekend-long celebration benefiting Special Olympics Delaware, starting Friday, March 12.

Since its start in 1992, the Lewes Polar Bear Plunge has developed into one of the state’s largest fundraising events.

“In its inaugural year,” noted Jon Buzby, director of media relations for Special Olympics Delaware, “we had 78 ‘polar bears’ take to the water, and we raised $7,000. There were maybe 100 spectators who came out to watch. This year, we anticipate about 3,000 participants, and with the move into March, it’s only going to increase the number of participants and spectators.”

Already, registration activity has seen more than 900 first-time “polar bears,” which may be due to the warmer weather quickly approaching.

While many opt to register online, in advance, as individuals or as a team, plenty of others will get an opportunity to sign up on Friday, March 12, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Atlantic Sands Hotel. There, those wishing to participate in Saturday’s 2 p.m. 5K Run/Walk to the Plunge can also register.

The plunge and run/walk events have expanded over the years to include a full range of activities. Starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 13, the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand will feature ice-sculpting demonstrations by BOSS Enterprises. Registration will continue for Polar Bears all day on Saturday, from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. at the Atlantic Sands, with the 5K Run/Walk to the Plunge starting at 2 p.m. At approximately 2:30 p.m., the ice-sculpting judging will take place. A chili cook-off, sponsored by Peninsula Oil & Propane will be held between 3 and 6 p.m., with plenty of other activities for the entire family taking place all day.

Sunday, March 14, will cap off the weekend festivities with the Lewes Polar Bear Plunge itself taking place at 1 p.m. The Apres Plunge Party will take place at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center. There will be food and refreshments available there, as well as music provided by Greg Mack and his Polar Bear Band. Polar Bear plungers can enjoy the party for free, and non-plunging family members and friends can join in the fun for just $5.

“We should definitely have a great turnout,” predicted Buzby. “We’re hoping to hit record-setting numbers.”

Over the years, the Plunge has raised $4.5 million, and it coaxed 2,923 “polar bears” out last year, pulling in $490,000 in 2009 alone. Among those gearing up for the dip is Gov. Jack Markell, who has taken part in the event several times in past years.

Proceeds from the fundraiser support Special Olympics Delaware’s year-round program of sports training, athletic competition and related programs for nearly 3,300 children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

In addition to the weekend festival, area high school students will be passing out information about the “Spread the Word to End the Word” campaign, to be held March 3 at more than 34 high schools across the state. The campaign aims at educating the general public and raising awareness about the hurtfulness of using the word “retard(ed)” in a demeaning way.

For more information about next weekend’s event, including registration forms, visit www.plungede.org.