It’s Polar Bear Plunge Weekend 2020 in Delaware’s Coastal Region

The dead of winter certainly isn’t the busiest time of year at the Delaware and Maryland beaches, but downtown Rehoboth Beach does spring to life every year during the first weekend of February. And 2020 is no different, with thousands of people once again expected on the beach and boardwalk over the next few days.

That’s right, it’s time once again for the annual tradition that is the Lewes Polar Bear Plunge! And don’t let the name throw you, it will once again be held in the “Nation’s Summer Capital” of Rehoboth Beach.

It just began years ago in neighboring Lewes and continues to keep the original name, despite being held just a couple of miles south for several years now.

As always, this year’s event will be a fundraiser for Special Olympics Delaware, with all proceeds going to support the First State’s more than 4,200 Special Olympians.

The Plunge takes place on Sunday afternoon, February 2, but the selection of activities surrounding the event will be held throughout the weekend.

Read much more about the 2020 Lewes Polar Bear Plunge below, as well as other worthwhile events on tap for this first weekend of February.

Let’s get right to it!

Lewes Polar Bear Plunge (February 1-2). This insanely popular wintertime event includes a full weekend of activities in Rehoboth Beach, culminating in the 2020 “Plunge” on Sunday at 1 p.m.

Several thousand “Bears” are again expected to brave the frigid waters of the Atlantic, with even more standing on the beach and the Boardwalk cheering them on. It’s all to raise money for Special Olympics Delaware, and is the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year in the First State.

Here are some of the highlights of this year’s event:

5K Run to the Plunge. The run this year begins at a new time, now kicking off at 10 a.m., instead of the traditional start time of 1 p.m. This will be held on Saturday, February 1, with registration beginning two hours before the start of the race

Fire & Ice Festivities. These family fun activities will take place at the Rehoboth Beach Fire Hall on Saturday, from 12 to 2 p.m. Events include hot wing selections, ice cream from several local restaurants and much more.

Restaurant Chili Contest. This is scheduled from 2:30 to 5 p.m., on Saturday at several restaurants throughout Rehoboth Beach. Ballots are $10 and can be purchased at any of the participating restaurants, at the Plunge Registration Booth or at the Fire & Ice event.

Ice Sculpting Demonstration. Always a fan favorite, these unique creations will come to life on the Boardwalk, in front of the Atlantic Sands, beginning at 9 a.m., on Sunday. Read more about this year’s sculptors here.

Sandcastle Art. This is scheduled for Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and again on Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., on the beach just south of Rehoboth Avenue. The “Sand Bears” will again be creating memorable works of art, providing great backdrops for your Polar Bear Plunge photographs.

Click here for what else is happening this weekend in the coastal region