100th Annual Chincoteague Pony Swim & Auction

At “slack tide”- The Chincoteague Ponies will swim across the Assateague Channel, led by the Saltwater Cowboys, just south of Veterans Memorial Park (7427 Memorial Park Dr, Chincoteague Island, VA 23336) on the east side of Chincoteague Island called Pony Swim Lane. Folks wishing to view the swim from Pony Swim Lane are advised to wear appropriate attire “old clothing and closed toe shoes or muck boots” as this area is very muddy.

There is no charge by the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company or Town of Chincoteague for parking or seeing the ponies swim. There is no parking permitted at Veteran’s Memorial Park. All those seeking handicap parking and all day-trippers are encouraged to go to the Municipal Center (6150 Community Drive, Chincoteague Island, VA 23336) and catch a free shuttle. There will be a handicap accessible bus for your convenience. Those staying on the island may catch a shuttle bus near their lodging. Tour buses should call the Town office 757-336-6519 to make parking arrangements.

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 7:30pm. Tickets are sold each night at the carnival and during the wait time for the swim. A limited number of tickets are sold. You must have a ticket and you must be present to win.

After swimming the short distance across the channel, the ponies will rest for approximately 45 minutes to an hour before “parading” to the carnival grounds on Main Street. See shuttle bus map for parade route.

PLEASE NOTE: This event takes place on Assateague and Chincoteague Island, VA. Pets are not permitted in Veteran’s Memorial Park or the Carnival Grounds.