Ocean City Penguin Swim turns 25 plus more New Year's Day events on Delmarva

Subfreezing temperatures and frigid winds didn't stop hundreds of strange-looking penguins from jumping into the ocean on the first day of 2018. 

Of course, those penguins were humans and the jump, held in Ocean City, wasn't just an exhilarating start to the new year: The Penguin Swim is Atlantic General Hospital's annual fundraiser. Last year, the swim grossed $98,000, bringing nonprofit hospital's total to nearly $1.4 million since it started in 1995. 

This year marks the Penguin Swim's 25th anniversary. Proceeds go toward Atlantic General's mission to "improve individual and community health," according to an event release. 

There are plenty of other events for folks across Delmarva who like jumping in freezing cold water — and helping out their favorite organizations. For those who want to hit the trails, plenty of parks are hosting first day hikes. Here's a roundup of chilly happenings in the new year: 

Penguin Swim in Ocean City

When: New Year's Day - Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2019 at 1 p.m.
Where: Princess Royale Hotel, 91st Street Oceanfront, Ocean City
Registration: Participants can register online at www.aghpenguinswim.org. Pre-registration is on Monday, Dec. 31 at Princess Royale Hotel from 2-4 p.m. Regular registration is on the day of the swim from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with carnival games and more in the Atrium running until 2 p.m. The swim begins promptly at 1 p.m., followed immediately by an awards ceremony. 
Who it benefits: Atlantic General Hospital

Dewey Dunk

What: The annual Dewey Dunk by the Dewey Business Partnership includes a bonfire (weather permitting), hot chocolate and event swag. 
When: New Year's Day - Tuesday, Jan. 1, at noon
Where: Dagsworthy Street Beach, Dewey Beach
Registration: Registration and swag pickup begins at 11:30 a.m. on the beach.

Eskimo Swim, Race in Bethany Beach

What: Freeze your tail off to support students at the annual Hair of the Dog Run and Leo Brady Exercise Like the Eskimos Plunge. You can run a 5K or 10K, jump in the water, register for a combination of activities or be the designated towel holder and cheerleader. Post-race/plunge parties and the chance to win prizes, like largest registered team and best attire, are included. 
When: New Year's Day - Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2019. Race day packet pickup is from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., and plunge packet pickup goes till 11:30 a.m. The 10K starts at 8:45 a.m., the 5K starts at 10 a.m. and the plunge kicks off at noon.
Where: Downtown Bethany Beach
Registration: Register online at http://business.bethany-fenwick.org/events Fees vary depending on chosen activity, and range from $20 to participate in the plunge all the way to $70 for a combined plunge, 5K and 10K. 
Who it benefits: The Captain William O. Murray Scholarship is awarded by the Quiet Resort Charitable Foundation to students who show a strong commitment to civic and community service. Each scholarship recipient will be awarded $2,000 per year for four years.

Fenwick Freeze

What: It's the 15th annual Fenwick Freeze. T-shirt included with registration.
When: New Year's Day - Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2019 at 11:30 a.m.
Where: Bayard Street Beach, Fenwick Island
Registration: Register the day of from 9-11 a.m. Pre-register now through Dec. 28 for just $20, either by mailing or dropping off the registration form and payment to Town Hall, stopping by Town Hall on Dec. 30 or 31 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to register in person, or online at https://fenwickisland.delaware.gov/2018/12/04/fenwick-freeze-2/. 
Who it benefits: The Fenwick Island Lifeguard National Competition

Polar Pony Plunge in Assateague Island

What: Dress up in your "zaniest, craziest costume" for the annual Pony Plunge. 
When: New Year's Day - Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2019 at 1:19 p.m.
Where: Assateague Island
Registration: Pre-registration is recommended, and can be done online at www.chincoteaguechristmas.com. Plungers must also sign a waiver and release form. Polar Pony Plunge T-shirts are available for a $20 donation. 

Lewes Polar Bear Plunge in February

What: The 2019 Lewes Polar Bear Plunge marks the 28th anniversary of the event, which has raised over $10 million for Special Olympics Delaware, an organization that aims to "provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for more than 4,200 children and adults with intellectual disabilities," according to its website.
When: Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019 at 1 p.m.
Where: Rehoboth Beach
Registration: Register online at https://www.plungede.org/. Participants can either make a $10 deposit and commit to raising an additional $65 by the day of the plunge or pay the $75 fee in full. The minimum of $75 is required to participate in the plunge and gets polar bears a sweatshirt. Raising funds is encouraged and leads to additional prize levels like embroidered towels, robes and fleece. 
Who it benefits: Special Olympics Delaware

Free New Year's Day Concert in Ocean City

What: After freezing your tail off at the Penguin Swim, waddle over to the Performing Arts Center for a free concert hosted by Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan and members of the city council. Bryan Russo, a local singer/songwriter, and Baltimore's Cardinal Shehan School Choir are set to perform. 
When: Meet the mayor and city council members at 1 p.m. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. and Bryan Russo will begin promptly at 1:45 p.m. Tickets will not be issues, as seating is first come, first served.
Where: Performing Arts Center, inside the Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City

Pet news:Mega Adoption Event's lone remaining dog gets home at last

Crime:Former NASA Wallops chief guilty of exchanging contracts for time at vacation home

New Year's Day walks

Don't forget to dress warm. Bring water and a snack. 

More on the walks: Start the new year with a First Day Hike

Delaware

Cape Henlopen State Park
Where: Meet at the Point parking lot for this 1.5 mile hike to the northeastern edge of Delaware, where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. Look for seals and loons out in the water. 
When: 11 a.m.

Cape Henlopen State Park
Where: Meet at the Fort Miles orientation building. Hike the Pinelands area below Fort Miles on this 1.5 mile walk. Be prepared to walk in loose sand.
When: 2 p.m.

Delaware Seashore State Park
Where: Meet at the North Inlet Day Area for this 1.7 mile hike over the Charles W. Cullen Bridge and learn about inlet history along the way. 
When: 3 p.m.

Maryland

Assateague State Park
Where: Assateague State Park concession building, 7307 Stephen Decatur Highway, Berlin. Take the Judy Johnson Memorial Beach trail for this easy, mile-long hike. 
When: 1 p.m.

Pocomoke River State Park
Where: Shad Landing Marina parking lot, 3461 Worcester Highway, Snow Hill. This self-guided hike along the Trail of Change (one mile) travels through the bald cypress swamp and along the Pocomoke River. Trail pamphlets and a winter scavenger hunt will be available at the Camp Store and trail head. 
When: All day.

Janes Island State Park
Where: Meet at the Janes Island State Park camper registration parking lot for a three-mile hike on the Dougherty Creek Canal trail. The trail follows the canal, forested areas, flat grassy paths and roads and is suitable for heavier strollers. Hikers can view waterfowl, whitetail deer and songbirds. Dogs on a leash are welcome.
When: 9 a.m.

Virginia

Kiptopeke State Park
Where: Meet at Shelter 1 in the picnic area for a two-mile guided hike on the Raptor, Baywoods and Brown Pelican trails. A park interpreter will guide hikers through the park's upland maritime forest, along Chesapeake Bay coastal dunes and across open meadows of reclaimed farmland. See freshwater pond, wildlife viewing blinds, deer, fox and turkey. Parking fees are waived for the day, and the first 100 visitors will receive a First Day Hikes bumper sticker.
When: The morning hike starts at 9 a.m. and the afternoon hike begins at 2 p.m. Self-guided tours are all day.