Seven Days: Vermont's Independent Voice

Diving In

It all began in 1996, when a few brave souls jumped into the frigid winter waters of Lake Champlain to raise money for Special Olympics Vermont. The following years saw an exponential increase in participation, and today the annual Penguin Plunge is the organization's largest — and coldest — fundraiser. Teams and individuals can now make a splash in North Bennington, Newport or Burlington, where crowds gather by the thousands to support them. Creative costumes are encouraged and have become a fixture at the event, with prizes awarded for the best getups.