Showing posts with label Chincoteague. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chincoteague. Show all posts

Saturday, November 19, 2022

License plate cameras for Chincoteague


(WBOC) 



"..town leaders approved the purchase of two license plate readers. The cameras would keep track of cars going on or off the island."

(View news story:)

Chincoteague Leaders Adding New Layer of Security to the Island | Latest News | wboc.com


Tuesday, October 4, 2022

Chincoteague update

 (WBOC)


CHINCOTEAGUE, Va. - The Town of Chincoteague announced Tuesday morning that it has rescinded its storm-related local state of emergency and is returning to normal operations.

Winds will remain breezy through Wednesday. Expect rain showers with an occasional period of heavy rain. Tides are forecast to be elevated at or below minor levels through the Wednesday afternoon high tide cycle.

Go to www.chincoteague-va.gov for updated information.

Monday, May 23, 2022

The 'Other' Chincoteague ponies get attention

 (Eastern Shore Post)

The carousel ponies at the Chincoteague carnival grounds got a facelift recently when a group of friends that usually band together to place pony auction bids came together to voluntarily paint the carousel ponies. Above, Steffie Rau, of Bethlehem, Pa., starts to paint a horse from the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Department carnival carousel.

Saturday, August 14, 2021

Chincoteague amateur photo contest is underway

(shoredailynews.com)
 

 Casting call for all amateur photographers! Your picture may be the next winner of the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Annual Pass Photo Contest, sponsored again this year by the Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce. You all capture some outstanding images that highlight our amazing scenic landscapes, fascinating wildlife and natural beauty. Contest runs August 12-September 3, 2021. Chamber staff will select the top 5 entries based on adherence to guidelines and overall essence of the captured image. Local community leaders will then be asked to pick a winner from these finalists. The winner will be announced on September 17, 2021. The selected image will be featured on the front of the 2022 Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Annual Pass! Grab your cameras, visit the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and start capturing memories! For contest rules and entry form, visit chincoteaguechamber.com . We are excited to share your experience!

Tuesday, June 11, 2019

Chincoteague Will Celebrate


CELEBRATE 50 YEARS OF LOVE ON CHINCOTEAGUE ISLAND!!!!
2019 marks the 50th anniversary of the “Virginia Is For Lovers” brand and Virginia Tourism Corporation is celebrating with a “50 Years of Love” campaign focused on special experiences across the state through local  events, programs and special offerings that will last 50 days.

See Chincoteague celebration info:
https://www.chincoteaguechamber.com/50-years-of-love/

Thursday, May 23, 2019

Congrats To Our Neighbor!


(shoredailynews.com)

Chincoteague Island finished #3 in USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Travel Awards' Best Coastal Small Town Contest.  A panel of five travel experts partnered with 10Best editors to pick the initial 20 nominees and the top 10 winners were determined by popular vote.  They are Sandusky OH, Rockport TX, Chincoteague Island VA, Georgetown SC, Bay St. Louis MS, Gulf Shores AL, Southport NC, St. Simons Island GA, Saugatuck MI, and Bayfield WI.

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Chincoteague Vol. Fire Co. Adopts Wounded Warrior Project

Chincoteague Fire Company Salutes Military Men and Women



CHINCOTEAGUE, Va., Now in its 87th year, the Chincoteague Annual Carnival and Pony Penning event will kick off Fri., June 29 with a special focus on military men and women in uniform during every carnival weekend. The event begins with a patriotic rendition of the National Anthem and a posting of colors by the American Legion Post 159. The carnival grounds gate opens at 6:30 p.m. and the first 100 people admitted will receive a fire company souvenir.



The Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company will recognize men and women in uniform every weekend from June 29 – July, with a special focus on the U.S. Army the first weekend and additional honors for the U.S. Marines, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force and U.S. Coast Guard during consecutive July weekends. On the weekend their branch of service is recognized, active service members with a military id will receive a free carnival ride wristband and military dependents will receive 50 percent off the price of rides. In honor of the U.S. Military, the Fire Company will donate the sale of one wild Assateague pony to the Wounded Warrior Project.



Denise Bowden, spokeswoman for the Fire Company, and a Chincoteague Volunteer Firefighter said "This is one more way for us to show our sincere appreciation for the sacrifices our men and women in uniform make for our country. These brave service members of the true heroes of the world."



Since 1925, the Chincoteague Fire Company volunteers have organized the Carnival, Pony Swim and Auction, an event made famous by Marguerite Henry's novel "Misty of Chincoteague" and the 20th-Century Fox film that followed. Each year, the firefighters adopt a charity to which they donate proceeds from the sale of a pony at auction. Chincoteague has been named the best beach town in America.



The tradition of pony gift-giving is further kept alive each year by the Feather Fund, which encourages children to work hard for something they love. Many children come to Chincoteague each year with the dream of buying a pony at auction, but may not be able to afford a winning bid. The tradition carried on by the Feather Fund in memory of a generous woman named Carollynn Suplee, awards a pony to a child who has submitted an essay to the Fund, and who has demonstrated a commitment to caring for a pony or horse. Mrs. Suplee is no longer living but her pony-giving tradition lives on thanks to Lois Szymanski, book author and journalist, who established the Feather Fund in 2004 after the death of Mrs. Suplee, who gave her children a pony they called SeaFeather. Biblical Psalm 91:4 inspired Mrs. Suplee, and Mrs. Symanski, who was also touched by the Psalm, named her non-profit organization the Feather Fund. The Psalm reads: "He will cover you with feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart." To learn more about this inspirational story, visit www.featherfund.org. For more details about the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company, and its annual fundraising event, visit www.cvfc3.com



The Fire Company is working toward establishing a new home on the island for its firefighting equipment. The Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on Assateague Island, Va., is home to rare and spectacular waterfowl, fauna and the world-famous, wild Chincoteague ponies managed by the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company. For the most comprehensive information about Chincoteague Island, visit its Chamber of Commerce website: www.chincoteaguechamber.com

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Chincoteague's "Mother Earth Festival"


The 4th Annual
MOTHER EARTH DAY Festival
Saturday May 12, 2012
10:00 a.m. ~ 4:00 p.m.
Robert Reed Park
on the waterfront downtown
CHINCOTEAGUE --Chincoteague's 4th annual Mother Earth Day Festival features family fun plus a chance to keep toxics out of our landfills by recycling old electronics.

County residents can bring computers, printers, radios, TVs -- just about anything with a plug -- plus cellphones and batteries to a collection trailer behind Sundial Books on Main Street anytime from May 6 to 12. (Large appliances, such as refrigerators, washers and dryers, are not included; please call the Town of Chincoteague to arrange pickup.)

On Saturday, May 12, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., the Robert Reed Downtown Park will again be transformed into an environmental and artistic jamboree, featuring live music, arts and crafts sales, nature and environment exhibits, food, and a kids' play area. Entry to the festival is free.

Live music includes Island favorite Ruth Wyand from North Carolina, local musician Greg Shupe & Men with Issues, The Eclecticians, and the Bombay Garden Jive Club.

Families will love the educational exhibits from Wallops Island Flight Facility, the Virginia Marine Science Consor-tium's touch tank, advice from the Eastern Shore Native Plant Council, eastern shore reptiles with Master Naturalist Ruta Vaskys and Waste Watchers of the Eastern Shore.

You'll want to check out the Chincoteague Garden Club's annual plant sale and our yearly Mother Earth Day Auction.

This year the auction includes four artfully redesigned carousel ponies from the carnival and benefits the Chincoteague Island Fire Company's Building Fund.

In addition to electronics recycling, on the day of the festival, bring any "gently used" items you can no longer use to the Hospice Truck (also located behind Sundial Books).

Hospice requests clothing, kitchen and household wares, furniture and knick-knacks.

Mother Earth Day is a program of the Chincoteague Cultural Alliance (CCA), and is supported by the Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce, Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, Davis Disposal, the Kiwanis Club of Chincoteague, Refuge Motor Inn, and WCTG.

CCA is a nonprofit and is supported by grants from the Town of Chincoteague, the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Source:

For more information:  http://www.chincoteagueculturalalliance.org/ 

Friday, April 27, 2012

Chincoteague Seafood Festival


The 2012 Chincoteague Spring Seafood Festival May 5 at Tom's Cove Park...Noon to 4 p.m.

Call the Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce for tickets. 757-336-6161

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company ~ County Fire Tax


The Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company will be hosting an OPEN HOUSE  
THURSDAY, MARCH  22, 2012  
5:00 P.M.  to  7:00  P.M.

AND

SATURDAY, MARCH 24, 2012
11:00 A.M.   to   2:00 P.M.

In regards to the  COUNTY FIRE TAX.

This is an  open public format so please stop by and ask questions and get answers.

There will be a sign up sheet for anyone  that may need transportation to the
PUBLIC HEARING
TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2012
7:00 P.M.
Metompkin Middle School in Parksley

Everyone will be permitted a 4 minute turn to speak.

PLEASE SUPPORT
 THE CHINCOTEAGUE VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY

Monday, February 27, 2012

2012 'Spring Pony Roundup' On Assateague

The Spring Pony Roundup will take place April 13 & 14, 2012.

The Chincoteague Ponies will be rounded up on Assateague Island to be seen by veterinarians.


2011 Pony Spring Roundup
PHOTO/ Chincoteague.com
 During the 'Spring Pony Roundup' the southern pony herd will be visible to the public in the southern corral, which is just off the main road that goes out to the beach. The South herd roundup will take place Friday April 13, 2012 at 4pm.

The North herd roundup will take place Saturday April 14, 2012 at 10am.

For more info go to http://www.chincoteague.com/

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Crews Working To Reopen Assateague


Parking Lot/February 2010

ASSATEAGUE -- Officials at Assateague Island National Seashore and Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge are scrambling to reopen Assateague beach by the holiday weekend after Hurricane Irene destroyed the parking lots, depositing up to 18 inches of sand in some places.

The storm also created a breach at least 100 yards wide just north of the parking area joining Swan's Cove with the Atlantic Ocean.

"None of the damage was minor," said Refuge Manager Lou Hinds, adding "the best-case scenario" is to have 200-300 parking spaces available this weekend.

There are usually 961 parking spaces at the beach.

Hinds said the U.S. Park Service found more damage than was first thought. The latest plan officials are considering is to rebuild whatever spaces can be put in place by the weekend, then stop until spring because the demand for parking goes down after Labor Day and there is "a high probability it would only get washed away" during winter storms, he said.

The beach remained closed to visitors during the last full week of the summer season as workers using heavy equipment attempted to rebuild as many of the parking spaces as possible before Labor Day weekend, when thousands of tourists traditionally flock to the refuge and seashore.

The refuge reopened Tuesday under a temporary arrangement that includes opening a lifeguard-protected beach two miles north of the current recreational area, which visitors can access by bicycle or on foot.

In recent years the beach parking lots at times were completely full during holiday weekends, with one vehicle being allowed onto the refuge as another left.

"We knew this day would come... It just happened the storm hit the weekend before Labor Day weekend," said Hinds, who in the past has warned local and federal officials of the need for a backup plan in case a storm wiped out beach parking during the tourist season.

The remnants of Hurricane Ida last year also destroyed the parking lots, but workers had time to rebuild them before the next summer, at a cost of $450,000.

Hinds accompanied Chincoteague Mayor Jack Tarr, Accomack County Supervisor Wanda Thornton and other Chincoteague officials on a tour to inspect the damage, as well as to see the northern beach, which he proposed to open as a temporary solution to provide beach access to visitors this week.

That area, including plans for up to 8.5 acres of parking, is also proposed as the permanent site for the recreational beach in the future in two of four alternatives listed in the refuge's Comprehensive Conservation Plan. The plan was unveiled at recent open houses at Assateague Beach and the Chincoteague Center and was the subject of two public input meetings in Melfa and Pocomoke City.

Thornton kept an upbeat attitude after viewing the damage, saying, "It isn't as bad as I anticipated -- I've seen it a whole lot worse."

She predicted the breach at Swan's Cove will fill in over time.

Thornton also said Labor Day is traditionally not as busy for the seashore as other holidays like July Fourth.

Donna Mason, owner of Waterside Inn, said while she had some cancellations from guests affected in their home areas by Irene, bookings were holding steady for the weekend.

"We're hoping for a good weekend," she said. "Just tell them Chincoteague is open for business."

The northern beach, accessible from the Swan's Cove Trail off the Wildlife Loop, will have lifeguards on duty from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., but it will have very limited facilities.

Refuge officials encourage visitors to bicycle to the refuge due to the lack of available parking.

Vehicles may enter the refuge, but can go only as far as the Herbert H. Bateman Educational and Administrative Center. Limited parking is available there, as well as at the lighthouse, which will be open normal hours, and at the wildlife loop.

In addition to destroying the parking lots, Irene left groups of Chincoteague ponies freely roaming the beach road and the Bateman Center parking lot after gates were opened ahead of the storm's arrival to allow the ponies to seek higher ground. The ponies are usually kept away from areas frequented by people.

Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company's Saltwater Cowboys at some point will round up the ponies, for the second time this summer, and return them to their customary grazing grounds. But refuge officials did not put a timetable on that effort, saying they are sensitive to the extra work volunteer fire and rescue personnel put in before, during and after the storm.

In the meantime, drivers should proceed cautiously to avoid harming ponies they encounter in the road or parking lots. Visitors should not approach the wild ponies.

Entrance fees to the refuge were waived this week during the recovery effort. The refuge is open during reduced daylight hours, 7 a.m.-8 p.m., with tentative plans to resume normal hours Friday.

Source;  http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20110831/NEWS01/108310377/Crews-hurry-reopen-Assateague?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|frontpage

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Chincoteatgue To Collect Storm Debis Left From Storm....

Photo/Shoredailynews
The Town of Chincoteague has announced it will be collecting debris left from Hurricane Irene until September 9.

In order to have debris picked up, please place it at curbside, brush must be separated from other types of debris, brush shouldn't be any longer than 8 feet and no larger than 6 inches in diameter, debris should not include hazardous materials.

Please call the Town Office to ensure your debris will be collected at 336-6519.

Friday, August 26, 2011

Latest News From the Chincoteague Vol. Fire Company

The Town of Chincoteague’s Emergency Management Team continues to monitor Hurricane Irene. A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Chincoteague Island.



The National Hurricane Center’s current forecast has Hurricane Irene very close to Chincotea...gue late Saturday night and early Sunday morning with hurricane force winds, heavy rain, and tidal flooding arriving by mid-day Saturday.


Currently all non-residents should be evacuated.

Phase III of the Town’s Evacuation Plan will go into affect at 7:00 PM Friday night. Phase III requires a mandatory evacuation of all residents. All residents should be off the island by 12:00 noon Saturday August 27, 2011. Only emergency personnel will be allowed on the island.

The shelter will open at 6:00 AM Saturday, August 27, 2011.

The shelter for Chincoteague Island will be at the Arcadia Middle School 29485 Horsey Road, in Oak Hall. No Pets are allowed in the shelter. Please bring water, food, and medications needed for your family.

Please stay tuned to local media for further updates for Chincoteague.

Also, http://www.chincoteague-va.gov/ will have updates.

**ALSO from the Chincoteague Vol. Fire Dept.**

ARCADIA MIDDLE SCHOOL WILL BE THE SHELTER FOR ISLAND RESIDENTS AND IT WILL OPEN TOMORROW MORNING AT 6AM.
 THEY DO NOT ACCEPT PETS.

WICOMICO YOUTH & CIVIC CENTER IS ACCEPTING PETS AS FAR AS WE KNOW.
PLEASE TAKE YOUR MEDICINE, WATER, CASH MONEY & EXTRA CLOTHES.

PLEASE HEED ALL WARNINGS!!!


Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Pony Penning Day

The 86th Chincoteaque Pony Swim or Pony Penning happens on Chincoteague Island today!

An estimated 150 ponies will swim during slack tide today which has been stated as being anytime between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. 

The ponies will swim ashore to Chincoteague and after a 45 minute rest the Salt Water Cowboys will parade them down Main Street to the carnival grounds.

Don't forget to prepare for the weather and long wait.  These things are important: bug repellant, snacks, water or some type of drink, sunscreen, appropriate clothing and old shoes or boots- in case you have to stand in the marsh and pack your patience!   Also, a lawn chair might be nice.

It's already a hot humid morning so take  precautions to protect yourselves.  And have fun!

Don't forget the Fireman's Carnival.  You can veiw  all the ponies from the days swim there.

The Pony Auction is tomorrow - Thursday- beginning at 8 a.m.

Here's my favorite!

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

The 86th Annual Chincoteague Pony Swim: July 27, 2011

On Wednesday, July 27th, 2011, the Saltwater Cowboys will once again swim those famous Chincoteague ponies from Assateague Island to Chincoteague Island.
PHOTO By Chincoteague Vol. Fire Company

The swim takes place at "slack tide". Slack tide is a period of about 30 minutes between tides, when there is no current. This is the easiest time for the ponies to make the swim. The time of slack tide varies each year. However, the swim generally takes place some time between 7am and 1pm. The specific time will be announced at the carnival grounds the week of the swim.

The Chincoteague Ponies will swim across the Assateague Channel during 'slack tide', which is 30 minutes between tide changes when there is no current, making it the easiest time for the ponies to swim.

A message on the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company website states this:

Official Notice from the Fire Company concerning swim times for 2011 Pony Swim
 Word has come from the pony committee that this year’s pony swim will be a LATE one according to the tide charts.

The low water slack time has been determined to be between 12:15pm and 1:30pm. We will not get the times any closer than that so with that in mind, the fire company encourages people NOT to get to the swim site extremely early. If tradition holds it will be a hot day and for the safety of the spectators there is no need to stand out in the heat and the marsh for 6 hours when you can arrive at 9:30am and still get a great viewing spot.

The fire company would like to remind everyone to bring water, bug spray and old shoes because of the low tide there will be lots of mud at the swim site itself.

Please stop by the information stand Tuesday night for any further updates. Information stand is located at the carnival grounds.

Once the ponies reach dry land and have rested for about 45 minutes the Salt Water Cowboys will parade the ponies down Main Street to the carnival ground.

If you plan to attend the pony swim it is advised that you bring bug repellant, sunscreen, plenty of water to drink and wear clothing suitable with shoes that can get wet or muddy. Pack you patience.

For more information you can  go to  www.chincoteague.com

I've lived on the Shore all of my life and have never seen a pony swim and understand fully at my age now that if I were ever going to attend it should have been 35 years ago when an estimated crowd of 30,000 on the tiny island wasn't even thought of. 

 While looking at photos taken by members of the Salt Water Cowboys or members of the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company I found the perfect little pony for me if I were a small child among the thousands to visit this year.

PHOTO By Chincoteague Vol. Fire Company
This little guy is my favorite!  I hope he brings tons of money for the fire department and finds a wonderful home......although a buy-back would be nice.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

E-cycling focus of Earth Day Festival On Chincoteague

ON CHINCOTEAGUE ISLAND
4th ANNUAL MOTHER EARTH DAY FESTIVAL
Saturday  May 7,  20ll   10:00 AM until  4:00 PM
At the Robert Reed Downtown Waterfront Park

 The Festival is sponsored by the Chincoteague Cultural Alliance to increase awareness about the ways we can help protect the area we live in and the planet.

At last year's festival, over 7,600 pounds of household hazardous waste materials were collected, breaking all records on the Eastern Shore.

This year, the focus is on Electronics recycling. Any type of electronics may be recycled -- computers, keyboards, monitors, printers, scanners, TVs, gaming systems, MP3 players, iPods, cell phones, digital clocks, batteries, stereos, telephones, answering machines, etc. Donation of most items is free. The only charge will be $1 for old style computer monitors and $5 for televisions. Electronics discarded in our landfills release toxins and pollute our environment. While you are doing your spring cleaning this year, put aside any electronics you no longer need and bring them to the Mother Earth Day Festival for recycling.

Also Tidewater Recycling, which is the company that picks up on Chincoteague, will be on hand with educational information and displays to answer all your questions. There will be a 'Pledge Mural' that you and the kids can paint on and will be displayed around town.

In addition to the recycling events, live music featuring Men with Issues, Hemlock Hollow and surprise entertainers will play throughout the day. Over 20 artist/vendors will be participating, including a plant sale. This year's silent auction to raise funds to support future free CCA events features chairs designed by famous local artists. The entries are on display at Sundial Books on Main St.

For more information, please contact Megan at Egret Moon Artworks 757-336-5775 or e-mail egretmoon@yahoo.com.


Source; shoredailynews.com

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Chincoteague Island Easter Decoy and Art Show

32nd Annual Easter Decoy & Art Festival

April 22 & 23, 2011
Friday, April 22   Noon to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 23     9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 23  Auction  7:30 p.m.
Chincoteague Combined School
4586 Main St.
Chincoteague Island, VA  23336


Local and national carvers and artists of all kinds exhibit and sell their works.  Awards are given in various categories.  Wooden Easter Eggs decorated by the exhibitors are offered in a silent auction. A live auction of donated works caps off the weekend. 
Admission to the show is $3.00 per day.
(children under 12 are free--no admission to auction)
757-336-6161
Fax: 757-336-1242
Email: chincochamber@verizon.net
www.chincoteaguechamber.com