BY TED SHOCKLEY, Eastern Shore Post —
It might be hard to top last year’s Chincoteague Pony Penning Centennial. But the event always gets bigger and better — and it is always one of the Mid-Atlantic’s can’t-miss events.
On Wednesday, July 29, the ponies will swim across the channel from Assateague Island to Chincoteague Island at an area near Memorial Park.
The swim, which is always held at slack tide, will take place between 9:30 and 10:30 a.m., although Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company Public Relations Office Hunter Leonard said a more exact time will be announced closer to the swim.
On Thursday, July 30, the annual Pony Auction will be held at 8 a.m. at the back of the carnival grounds. Seating opens at 6 a.m.
Last year at the auction, the 94 ponies sold raised just over $1 million for the fire company. Buyback ponies — which are purchased by buyers but live their lives on Assateague to continue the herd — drew the over-all highest bids, with one bringing $100,000.
In 1925, after two devastating fires, Chincoteague leaders organized a fire company and authorized a carnival to raise money. The fire company then assumed responsibility of the annual penning and auction. The fire company owns and maintains the herd of ponies on Assateague Island.
Leonard said the event’s large crowds can be easily accommodated because of the planning involved.
“Everything is so well managed,” he said.
For those who want to get in on the excitement in other ways, here are some suggestions:
— Buy a copy of the famous Marguerite Henry book “Misty of Chincoteague,” or shop for other popular books about Chincoteague Ponies at Sundial Books on Main Street.
— The Island Theatre offers free showings of the movie “Misty” during the month of July. Be sure to check out Misty’s hoofprints set in concrete on the sidewalk.
— Line the streets with others after the Pony Swim and watch the parade of Chincoteague Ponies walk from the swim area to the carnival grounds.
— Enjoy the family-friendly Chincoteague Volunteer Fireman’s Carnival, with its games, rides, and sweet treats.You might even see some ponies in the corral at the back of the carnival grounds.
— Visit the Museum of Chincoteague Island and the Beebe Ranch to see memorabilia and photos about the Pony Penning’s history.
— The ponies’ return swim to Assateague, set for the morning of Friday, July 31, is customarily less crowded and a smaller event, which could be better for children.
