Chincoteague Island, VA--July 14, 2023: Pony Penning means different things to different people. For pony lovers, it is a time to possibly buy a new pony to love. For history lovers, it is a time to celebrate a 98 year tradition whose roots are as deep as the marsh mud. For literature lovers, it is a time to honor a beloved children's author who wrote an award winning story about a real Chincoteague pony named Misty. For all Chincoteaguers, it is a time of homecoming. Whether you have lived on Chincoteague your entire life or only for a short season, the last week of July is a pilgrimage home to rekindle, reconnect, and recharge with family and friends during this exciting week of pony fever. Visitors from around the world experience an event like none other.

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, VA 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. 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 5 a.m. on July 26th. The shuttle operates on Wednesday only. When shuttle service ends on Swim Day, the Pony Express Trolley will begin running at 1 p.m. to assist.

Visit www.chincoteaguechamber.com/pony-penning and the chamber's Facebook page for any updates, shuttle map, and information including where to park if you are a day visitor, helpful hints and full schedule of events.

Festivities begin with the South Herd roundup on Saturday, July 22nd at approximately 7 a.m. at the South corral on Beach Road. The North Herd will be rounded up on Sunday, July 23rd. 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 at 6 a.m. on Monday, July 24th. Vet checks will be given on Tuesday. The annual swim on Wednesday, July 26th is at the earliest morning slack tide--estimated swim window will be between 8:30-10:30 a.m.

The auction of foals takes place on Thursday morning July 27th at 8 a.m. at the Carnival Grounds located at 3648 Main Street. The auction will also feature a virtual component, so register beforehand if you plan to bid online.

The week's events culminate with the return swim of the South Herd adult ponies to Assateague Island on Friday morning, July 28th (time to be determined after swim on Wednesday). The Chincoteague Volunteer Fireman's Carnival will be open July 21-22, 24-29 from 7-11 p.m. featuring rides, games, raffles, and fabulous Eastern Shore food including oyster and clam fritters! The last night of the carnival will be celebrated with a huge Fireworks display on July 29th.

Come early to enjoy the 35th Annual Chincoteague Island Blueberry Festival, Misty's Birthday Party, Buckaroo Bingo, free showings of Misty of Chincoteague, Music at the Dock, Storytelling, Farmers and Artisans Market, and so many more fun events that take place during July. Stop by the Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce and Certified Visitor Center located at 6733 Maddox Boulevard to learn more, visit the Events Page of the chamber's website, or download the Chincoteague app (see QR code below) for details on these and many other events and activities. It is truly an awesome time on the island where wild ponies roam.

In recognition of these beautiful animals, the Chincoteague Pony has been officially named the State Pony for the Commonwealth of Virginia. Signed into law just a few weeks ago by Governor Youngkin, the wild Chincoteague Ponies have attained celebrity status! "Virginia is For Pony Lovers" commemorative T-shirts can be purchased at the Chamber Office ... the only outlet for this one-of-a-kind shirt honoring the beloved ponies.

This is the year to check Pony Penning off your "bucket list"!! It's not too late to book your vacation of a lifetime. What are you waiting for? Visit www.chincoteaguechamber.com to begin.