After careful consultation with local officials, the National Weather Service, meteorologists, and our event partners, we have made the decision to postpone the 2026 Penguin Plunge to Saturday, March 14, 2026.
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Thanks to the incredible support of our community partners, we’re able to move everything planned for this weekend to March 13–14, preserving the fun, high-energy event you know and love. Thank you for your understanding and flexibility as we make this call with everyone’s well-being in mind. CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL UPDATE!
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out at events@vtso.org and we will be happy to help you out.
CHECK IN DETAILS
PENGUIN PLUNGE EXPO NEW THIS YEAR!
FRIDAY, MAR. 13 3-7PM HOTEL CHAMPLAIN ADIRONDACK BALLROOM
We are SO excited to kick off with the Penguin Plunge Expo — your one-stop check-in experience before taking the icy leap! Pick up everything you need to plunge, then stick around to explore interactive stations from our amazing partners, score swag, and enjoy fun, family-friendly activities for all ages. It’s the perfect way to gear up, get excited, and celebrate the community that makes the Plunge possible!
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HERE'S WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT:
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Check-In & get your wristband
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Pick up earned incentives
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Fill up your Expo Passport to earn a prize
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Visit our friends at Community Bank for temporary tattoos, coloring pages, & sign making
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Grab your Penguin Plunge hat from 4T2D
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Spin a wheel to earn prizes from Johnson Woolen Mills
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Have a chance to earn a free stay at Hotel Champlain
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Check out WCAX’s interactive weather green screen
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Take photos with friends in the Photobooth
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Meet Team Vermont athletes attending 2026 USA Games in Minnesota
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Meet Petey the Penguin - the official mascot of the Penguin Plunge!
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Much, much more!!
CHECK-IN
All plungers are required to check in and pick up incentives at The Penguin Plunge Expo on Friday Mar. 13th 3 - 7pm at Hotel Champlain in the Adirondack Ballroom.
AT CHECK IN YOU WILL RECEIVE:
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Have your plunge wristband put on by an event staff member or volunteer - DO NOT LOSE your wristband, your wristband is required to plunge.
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Receive your wave number
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Pick up your plunger bag
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Gather any incentives you have earned
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+ Collect swag from partners and local businesses, enjoy fun activities for the whole family, and more!
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PRIOR TO CHECK IN MAKE SURE YOU:
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Sign your waiver.
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Have any offline donations prepared to turn in.​​​
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Saturday wristband pickup will be available at the SOVT Info Tent at the waterfront only for those traveling from out of town. If this applies to you, please contact us ahead of time at events@vtso.org.
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If you are a Cool Schools Plunger who needs to pickup a wristband on Saturday, plan to be at the SOVT Info Tent no later than 10:45. If you are a Community Plunger who needs to pickup a wristband on Saturday, plan to be at the SOVT Info Tent no later than 11:45.
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Team Captains, or fellow plungers can pick up another plunger’s earned incentives; however, each individual plunger will need to claim their wristband either on Friday at Hotel Champlain, or Saturday at the SOVT Info Tent.