THE BALLOON MAN

Pony Penning ranked in top 10 Va. events

 

The annual Pony Swim was chosen among top family events in Virginia. JAY DIEM/EASTERN SHORE NEWS
Written by Malissa Watterson, Staff Writer
from: delmarvanow.com
Jun. 23, 2012
CHINCOTEAGUE --In July, thousands of visitors will travel into town to witness the 87th annual Pony Swim and Auction.
The world-acclaimed event was recognized this month as one of the top 10 activities in Virginia for traveling families.
Trekaroo, a blog centered on parents taking trips with their children, posted various kid-friendly events throughout the commonwealth.
Pony Penning was listed as the eighth activity for families, beating out visits to the historic Jamestown Settlement and Colonial Williamsburg.
Assateague Island's recreational beach and lighthouse and the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge were also mentioned in the Pony Penning entry.
"It never hurts to get this kind of publicity," said Suzanne Taylor, executive director of marketing and tourism for the Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce.
"Chincoteague is such a great family destination I can understand why we were included," she said.
Since the 1920s, the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company has held Pony Penning as a fundraiser for the company. Late July, firefighters round up the wild ponies living on nearby Assateague Island and place them in holding pens before the Pony Swim.
On the last Wednesday of July, the Saltwater Cowboys drive the ponies into Assateague Channel, where the ponies begin their trek to neighboring Chincoteague.
The following day, a portion of the herd's foals are auctioned at the carnival grounds. Proceeds from the auction are used to purchase new equipment for the company, as well as to maintain the wild herd.
Denise Bowden, spokesperson for the company, said those involved in Pony Penning pride themselves on providing on a "fun, family atmosphere."
"We hope that people who many not have had the opportunity to visit before will look at Trekaroo's site and make plans to visit," she said.
For more information on this year's Pony Swim and Auction, visit www.chincoteague.com.