HAMPTON -- Penguins come equipped with nature's. own tuxedos, with the black. and white plumage they sport. However, bow ties and tails won't be necessary at the upcoming Penguin Bash party, which will be held at the Ashworth by the Sea on Hampton Beach on Friday, January 30 beginning at 6 p.m.

The celebration serves as the official kick-off for the 10th annual Penguin Plunge, Special Olympics New Hampshire's (SONH) exciting winter sports extravaganza.

Over the years, the Penguin Plunge has stretched to become a weekend-long event, and the fun will all begin on Friday evening. The Penguin Bash is a way to celebrate 10 years of plunging in support of SONH, and all are invited.

Business casual attire is expected for the cocktail hour at the Ashworth by the Sea which will begin promptly at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 p.m. Tickets are available on a limited first-come, first-serve basis, and may be reserved at www.sonh.org.

In addition to dinner, revelers will be enticed with an evening of live music and dancing, as well as a silent auction all to support Special Olympics New Hampshire.

Following Friday's Penguin Bash, it will be time for two days of chilling (so to speak) when supporters will take the plunge in the.frigid Atlantic.

On Saturday, January 31, the "High School Plunge" will be held, featuring a Mardi Gras costume theme. This exciting event is open only for high school students, faculty, principals, school resource officers, and coaches. The High School Plunge is a great opportunity to raise funds for school organizations and SONH athletes. Fifteen per-cent of the gross proceeds of each plunge will go to the principal-approved school organization and 15 percent of the gross proceeds will be credited to the Special Olympics Local/ Regional Program where each school is located.

Next, on Sunday, February 1, the 10th Anniversary Penguin Plunge will splash down. Be among the bravest penguins and experience this chilling event that directly benefits SONH athletes. The Mardi Gras costume themed parade will strut at 11:30 a.m., followed by the actual plunge at noon. There will be a post-plunge celebration and lunch, along with an awards ceremony at the Ashworth by the Sea.

Penguin Plunge prizes include: "The Super Flock Award," for the flock (minimum five-member team) that raises the most money to support Special Olympics New Hampshire; "The Flock of Excellence Award," for the flock (minimum five-member team) that makes an exceptional contribution to the plunge through their spirit, loyalty, and fundraising; "The Peerless Penguin" award, for the individual plunger who raises the largest amount of money to support Special Olympics New Hampshire; "The Biggest Chicken" award, for the individual chicken who raises the largest amount of money to support Special Olympics New Hampshire; "The Peerless Flock" award, for the flock (minimum five-member team) that has the highest dollar average; "The Most Distinguished Penguin" award, for the individual plunger wearing the best costume; and "The Most Distinguished Flock," award, for the flock (minimum five-member team) that has the best costumes.

WMUR-TV 9's Chief Meteorologist Mike Haddad is the Chief Penguin and Kevin Skarupa, WMUR-TV Meteorologist is the Plunge Jester (aka the "Head Chicken"). Danielle Carrier and Mark Ericson of WOKQ's Morning Waking Crew will be the Masters of Ceremony.

For more information, tickets to the Penguin Bash, or to help support Special Olympics New Hampshire, visit wwwsonh.org.