The Penguin Plunge Expo splashes into Hotel Champlain on Feb. 6 as the official kickoff to a wintry charity weekend, according to a community announcement.

The expo, a new feature for Special Olympics Vermont’s Penguin Plunge, is scheduled for 3-7 p.m. inside the hotel’s Green Mountain Ballroom, according to the announcement sent by the group last week.

Everyone who’s registered for the plunge itself must check in at the expo first.

Organizers describe the expo as a warm-up event designed to help participants check in, pick up required materials and connect with fellow plungers before the main event.

What to expect at the Special Olympics Vermont Penguin Plunge Expo

Plungers who attend the expo are expected to receive their plunge wristband, wave number and plunger bag. Wristbands are required to participate in the plunge and should not be lost, according to the announcement.

Participants can also collect any earned incentives and engage with event partners and vendors throughout the expo. An interactive activity with prizes available for participants is planned.

The expo is set to include a station hosted by Community Bank featuring temporary tattoos, coloring pages and sign-making. Attendees may also have the chance to meet Petey the Penguin, the event’s official mascot, along with other special guests.

Additional attractions are expected to include a photo booth, prize giveaways from local and regional partners and an interactive weather green screen experience hosted by WCAX. Team Vermont athletes heading to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota are also expected to attend.

Important check-in requirements

Team captains or fellow team members may pick up earned incentives for others but are not permitted to collect wristbands on someone else’s behalf.

Limited Saturday wristband pickup is expected to be available at the Special Olympics Vermont information tent at the waterfront for plungers traveling from out of town. Participants who believe they qualify for Saturday pickup are encouraged to contact event organizers in advance at events@vtso.org.

More information about registration and the event is available at www.penguinplunge.org.

This story was created by Dave DeMille, ddemille@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.

SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – The Great Vermont Coat Drive is now underway.

WCAX teams up each year with Vermont Federal Credit Union to help neighbors in need.

Between now and February 20, people can donate a new or gently used coat to any VFCU branch. The coats will then be distributed to nonprofits around the state.

“Our mission at Vermont Federal Credit Union is to help Vermonters prosper no matter where they may be on life’s journey. And I think if we all sort of come together as a community and help those around us in need, it really elevates everyone in the community,” said VFCU’s Peter Winch.

Copyright 2026 WCAX. All rights reserved.

If you’re thinking about retiring in Vermont, you might already be in the best spot.

U.S. News & World Report named Burlington as the best place to retire in the state in their 2026 rankings report.

“Released annually, the Best Places to Retire list analyzes data about housing affordability, quality of life, retiree taxes, the job market, senior population/migration and access to quality health care,” U.S. News said.

“There are about 44,640 people living in Burlington,” U.S. News said. “About 12% of the Burlington population is over age 65.”

Is Burlington VT a good city to retire in?

U.S. News said that Burlington’s median home value is $466,892 and their median rent is $1,597. If either of those figures fit your budget, then Burlington may be a good place to consider retirement.

Unbiased.com said when it comes to retiring in Vermont, Burlington is best for those who want to keep busy with volunteer work or college-level learning, since it shares its streets with the University of Vermont.

“Located on the shores of Lake Champlain, Burlington is a vibrant and picturesque city that offers a wide range of cultural attractions, shopping and dining options, and outdoor recreational opportunities,” Unbiased.com said.

Rin Velasco is a trending reporter. She can be reached at rvelasco@usatodayco.com.