Chincoteague Island Pony Penning

There is not a more exciting week on Chincoteague Island than Pony Penning!  Sources say to be ON the island by 5:30 a.m. if you want to catch the shuttle to the swim site.  Keep an eye out for the first foal to come ashore.



Photo/Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce



Pony Swim Day

Wednesday July 25, 2012 At "slack tide", sometime between 8:30 and 9:30 a.m., the Chincoteague Ponies will swim across the Assateague Channel just south of Memorial Park (7427 Memorial Park Dr,  Chincoteague Island, VA  23336) on the east side of Chincoteague Island.  There is no charge by the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company for parking or seeing the ponies swim.  The ONLY parking at Memorial Park, however, is designated for handicap use.  All other folks coming in just for the day are encouraged to go to Chincoteague Combined School (4586 Main St. Chincoteague Island, VA  23336) and catch the free shuttle. There is also a handicap accessible bus for your convenience (click here for shuttle information).  Those staying on the island may catch a shuttle bus near their lodging. The first foal to come ashore will be named King or Queen Neptune and will be given away in a raffle drawing at the carnival grounds later in the day (time to be announced).  Tickets are sold each night at the carnival and amongst the crowd while waiting for the swim to occur.  You must have a ticket and you must be present to win. After swimming the short distance across the channel, the ponies will rest for approximately 45 minutes to an hour before “parading” to the carnival grounds on Main Street. See shuttle bus map for parade route.  The carnival will open at 7:00 p.m. with rides, games, and lots of good food. Note: Pets are not permitted in Memorial Park or the Carnival Grounds.Coast Guard on Alert for Illegal Charter Boats During Chincoteague Pony Swim (The Coast Guard is cautioning tourists attending the pony swim to avoid boats that do not have licensed captains, and in some cases have not been inspected by the Coast Guard.) 7:00 p.m. - Carnival attractions. Click here for detailed map of event

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