It's official — pony fever has set in on the Delmarva Peninsula.
The 99th annual Chincoteague Island Pony Penning and Swim is back for yet another year on the picturesque island.
Here's everything you need to know about the historic pony-centered celebration — a nearly 100-year tradition set to kick off this month.
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Significance of the Chincoteague Pony Swim
The Chincoteague Pony Swim, made famous by Marguerite Henry's "Misty of Chincoteague," is a time of homecoming for pony fans of all ages. Whether attendees have lived on Chincoteague their entire life or are only visiting, the last week of July is a pilgrimage to rekindle, reconnect and recharge with family and friends during this exciting week of pony fever.
Each year, thousands line the shores of Veterans Memorial Park and Pony Swim Lane to watch the world-famous Chincoteague Ponies make their swim from Assateague Island to Chincoteague Island. Charter boats and kayaks line the Assateague Channel, creating a pathway for the ponies as they make their annual swim from shore to shore, Delmarva Now previously reported.
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Roundups and vet checks maintain and protect ponies
Festivities are set to kick off on Saturday, July 20, with the South Herd Roundup, courtesy of the Saltwater Cowboys, at 7 a.m. The North Herd will be rounded up on Sunday, July 21, at 6 a.m. The North Herd will then join the South Herd to await the "big day" in the traditional Beach Walk on Assateague Island at 6 a.m. on Monday, July 22.
In addition to the roundups, a carnival will take place from 7-11 p.m. each night.
Veterinary checks will also be given at about 9 a.m. on Tuesday, July 23, to ensure all ponies are healthy ahead of the annual swim and parade. The public may view the ponies in the Southern Corral during the veterinary checks.
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When is the big Chincoteague Pony Swim and auction?
The annual Pony Swim is set to take place on Wednesday, July 24, at the earliest morning slack tide. As of June 18, the estimated swim window will be between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. Those who wish to observe the swim from Pony Swim Lane are advised to wear appropriate attire such as closed toe shoes or muck boots. After swimming, the ponies will rest for nearly an hour before parading to the carnival grounds.
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 bandstand at 7 p.m. Tickets are sold each night at the carnival as well as during the wait time for the swim.
The auction of foals is set to take place the following day on Thursday, July 25, at 8 a.m. at the carnival grounds located at 3648 Main St. The auction is the biggest annual fundraiser for the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company, which manages the wild pony herd on Assateague Island. Select ponies, designated as “buy backs,” will also be auctioned, but returned to the herd to help maintain the population.
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Additional festivities
The week's events culminate with the return swim of the ponies to Assateague Island on Friday, July 26, with a time to be determined after the swim on Wednesday. The Chincoteague Volunteer Fireman's Carnival will be open that week from 7-11 p.m. and feature rides, games, raffles and beloved Eastern Shore food. The last night of the carnival will take place on Saturday, July 27.
Those planning to attend the 99th annual Chincoteague Island Pony Penning & Swim may visit www.chincoteaguechamber.com/pony-penning and the Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce & Certified Visitor Center's Facebook page for updates, a shuttle map, information including where to park, helpful hints and a full schedule of this year's events.
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Olivia Minzola covers communities on the Lower Shore. Contact her with tips and story ideas at ominzola@delmarvanow.com.
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