This year, it was easy. Light snow, temps in the 30s, and a large crowd to cheer you on. Last year was a different story at 11 degrees below zero. But rain, snow, or bitter cold, the Penguin Plunge is held. Sarah Perkins, of Wardsboro, Vt., is one of the first to arrive, and the first to plunge into Lake Paran in North Bennington with her Vermont Country Store teammates. The event raised $11,500 this year for Special Olympics Vermont.

by michele mcdonald | globe corresp0ndent