Chincoteague Island, VA, July 2, 2024—Pony Penning is a magical time of year on Chincoteague Island, Virginia. Some even call it Christmas in July. It’s a time of homecoming, a time to reconnect with old friends and a time to make new friends.
But above all, it is a time to experience the place where renowned children’s author Marguerite Henry wrote the award-winning “Misty of Chincoteague” in 1946 about a Chincoteague pony and two children who loved her.
This year, the island celebrates a 99-year tradition whose roots are as deep as the marsh mud. Whether you have lived on Chincoteague your entire life or only for a short season, the last week of July is a pilgrimage home during this exciting week of “pony fever.” Visitors from around the world experience an event like none other.
From shore to shore
Thousands line the shores of Veterans Memorial Park and Pony Swim Lane to watch the world-famous Chincoteague Ponies make their annual swim from Assateague Island, Virginia, to Chincoteague Island. Charter boats and kayaks filled with eager onlookers line the Assateague Channel creating a pathway for the ponies as they make their yearly swim from shore to shore.
This year’s festivities begin with the South Herd roundup on Saturday, July 20 and the North Herd roundup on Sunday, July 21. The North Herd of wild Chincoteague Ponies will join the South Herd to await the “big day” in the traditional Beach Walk on Assateague Island on Monday, July 22. Vet checks will be given on Tuesday. The Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company has announced that the swim on Wednesday, July 24 will be between noon and 1 p.m.
The auction
The auction of foals takes place at 8 a.m. on Thursday morning, July 25, at the Carnival Grounds located at 3648 Main Street. Online bidding will also be available and can be accessed from the Chamber website on Auction Day. The week’s events culminate with the return swim of the South Herd adult ponies to Assateague Island on Friday morning, July 26 (time to be determined after the swim on Wednesday).
The Town of Chincoteague will provide enhanced viewing of the event on a large Jumbotron located at Veterans Memorial Park and provide free shuttle bus service to the event beginning at 7 a.m. on July 24. The Pony Express Trolley will operate extended hours on July 24-26 to assist in transporting everyone to all the activities. Visit www.chincoteaguechamber.com/pony-penning and the chamber’s Facebook page for any updates, a shuttle map and information including where to park if you are a day visitor. There you will also find helpful hints and a full schedule of events.
Fireman’s carnival
Opening night of the Chincoteague Volunteer Fireman’s Carnival always signals the beginning of an exciting month on Chincoteague Island. Carnival nights include June 28-29, July 4-6, 19-20, 22-27 from 7-11 p.m. Rides, games, raffles and fabulous Eastern Shore food including oyster and clam fritters will be on tap. Celebrate Independence Day with a spectacular fireworks show at 10 p.m. at the Carnival Grounds on July 4.
Events leading up to Pony Penning include the 36th Annual Chincoteague Island Blueberry Festival, Misty’s Birthday Party, Buckaroo Bingo, free showings of the movie Misty, Music at the Dock, Farmers and Artisans Market, Tuesday Mornings with the Ponies with the Chincoteague Pony Drill Team, Beebe Ranch tours and many more events. Stop by the Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce and Certified Visitor Center located at 6733 Maddox Boulevard to learn more. You may also visit the events page of the chamber’s website or download the Chincoteague app for details on these and many other events and activities.
About the Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce
The Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce is an organization whereby many different business interests have joined together in a combined manner to maximize their ability to attract and increase the number of visitors to Chincoteague Island. The ultimate goal of the organization is to communicate the message that Chincoteague, the “Beautiful Land Across the Water,” is the most desirable location to visit and/or vacation with family or friends.
All images from Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page
