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Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company celebrates 91 years of Pony Penning

Posted at 9:34 AM, Jul 10, 2016
and last updated 2016-07-10 09:34:14-04

CHINCOTEAGUE, Va. – Tens of thousands of people are set to line the shores of Memorial Park and Pony Swim Lane to watch the Pony Penning.

Chincoteague Ponies will make their annual pilgrimage from Assateague Island to Chincoteague Island on Wednesday, July 27. Boats will line the Assateague Channel to create a pathway for the ponies to make their yearly swim.

There will be a week of festivities leading up to the event, starting with a Beach Walk on Assateague Island at 6 a.m. on Monday, July 25. The north heard of the wild Chincoteague Ponies will join the south heard to await the swim.

The exact time for the swim has yet to be determined. Visit www.chincoteaguechamber.com and the chamber Facebook page for updates on a more definite time and for shuttle bus information.

The auction of foals will take place Thursday, July 28 at 8 a.m. at the Carnival Grounds on Main Street.

“All proceeds from one of the buy backs this year will benefit Special Olympics of Virginia Eastern Shore Area 19,” according to Roe Terry, Public Relations Officer for the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company.

The weeks events will end with the return swim of the adult ponies to Assateague Island on Friday morning.

The Chincoteague Volunteer Fireman’s Carnival will be open July 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, 25-30 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. The event will  feature rides, games, raffles, local food and live entertainment.