CHINCOTEAGUE, Va. — 13News Now is taking a look back, digging up video from our archives of the annual Pony Penning on Chincoteague Island.
The official event, consisting of a pony swim from Assateague Island to Chincoteague Island, along with a foal auction the following day, dates back 97 years.
The swim only takes five to 10 minutes, but it’s enough to bring in tens of thousands of people every year.
Because of the pandemic, the last two years just haven’t been the same without it. But the event is back in 2022.
It's scheduled, as per tradition, for the last Wednesday and Thursday of July (July 27 and 28).
The main public viewing area for the pony swim is Veterans Memorial Park - 7427 Memorial Park Dr, Chincoteague Island, VA 23336.
A large screen will be located in the park with a live feed of the swim. You will be able to see the swim on the screen. No seating is provided.
The following day is the pony auction. According to the Chincoteague Pony Swim Guide, the auction serves two purposes:
"First, the auction helps to control the overall size of the herd, keeping it from growing too large. Secondly, the auction is a fundraiser for the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company. The Fire Company uses some of the proceeds from the auction to provide veterinary care for the ponies throughout the year. Auction winners will receive a certificate saying that they purchased a Chincoteague Pony from the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company."
For more information on this year's event, click here.