Lewes Polar Bear Plunge returns Super Bowl weekend

The Philadelphia Eagles and their die-hard fans will likely face some frigid weather when they head to Minnesota for Super Bowl LII on Feb. 4.

They're not the only ones braving the elements that day.

It's also when thousands will race into the frosty water off Rehoboth Beach at the Lewes Polar Bear Plunge, the annual fundraiser for Special Olympics Delaware.

Those taking the Plunge will head into the water at 1 p.m.

To avoid the inevitable crowds, hit the early check-in and registration times on Wednesday, Jan. 31, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the SODE office in Newark; or from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 2, and 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3, at the Atlantic Sands Hotel in Rehoboth.

Registration is $75 (pre-register with $10). 

Those who've plunged before might notice something missing from this year's schedule of events: The Apres-Plunge party. Organizers said in a bulletin that the party is on hold for this year, but will return in 2019 at the renovated Convention Center.

Still on tap for this year's event are the 5K Run to the Plunge, sand sculpting on the beach, hot wings and ice cream sampling, and the restaurant chili contest, all on Feb. 3. 

For more information, visit www.plugede.org.