Chincoteague Pony Swim and Auction
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Veterans Memorial Park 7427 Memorial Park Drive, Chincoteague Island, Virginia 23336
Wednesday, July 26: The Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company’s annual Pony Penning always takes place on the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday in the month of July. The world famous Chincoteague Ponies swim from Assateague Island to Chincoteague Island (less than 1000 yards) on Wednesday at the first “slack tide”. The first foal ashore is named King or Queen Neptune and is given away in a raffle later that day at the Carnival Grounds. The Carnival opens immediately after the swim. Proceeds from this event fund the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company. Monies are used for maintenance and purchase of equipment and care of the pony herd. A free shuttle runs the day of the swim to transport the 40,000 attendees to the swim site since parking is very limited to handicap only at Veteran’s Memorial Park.
Thursday, July 27: From 8:00 a.m. until noon an auction is held at the Carnival Grounds. People arrive early to get a front row seat. The number of foals sold each year is determined by the Fire Company. The ponies are checked and cleared by veterinarians before being released to their new owners. Cash, Master Card, and Visa are accepted as payment.
Friday, July 28: Adult ponies swim back to Assateague Island to live another year in the wild.