This July 30-31 will mark the 100th anniversary of the Chincoteague Pony Swim, a time-honored tradition in which the wild ponies of Assateague Island swim from their grazing grounds across the channel to the Chincoteague shore at slack tide. The ponies are auctioned off to raise money for upkeep of the herd, and often the ponies themselves are donated back to remain in their habitat for another year. One of the most unique traditions in the Bay region, the pony swim draws huge crowds to the small-town Virginia barrier island.
This year, going to the annual Pony Swim is going to look a little different for spectators. Because of online threats (deemed credible) made against the 100th anniversary event, several security measures will be in place.
The Town of Chincoteague announced that people will need to leave extra time to get to various parts of the event, “as there will be added security screenings for everyone’s safety and enjoyment.”
Additional measures include a ban on all coolers, umbrellas, glass containers, and bags/backpacks that are not clear vinyl, plastic or PVC. Visitors will be allowed to bring one-gallon clear plastic freezer bags and small clutch/belt bags of less than 4.5” X 6.5”, with or without a handle or a strap.
The town “discourages” bringing large water bottles and Thermoses, but stops short of banning them. All belongings may be searched.
Pony Swim organizers say, “While we know that these extra measures will cause some minor inconveniences, we want to ensure that your safety is paramount.”
The event usually draws 40,000 people to Chincoteague Island, but for the 100th anniversary, tourism leaders expect up to 50,000, saying it could be the largest Pony Swim yet.
The new policy announcement was met with support from some, but frustration from others. One resident commented to the town on Facebook, “This needs to be seriously reconsidered… If you are limiting bags and coolers, then you are limiting access to food and water. Is the town going to provide this? Are people expected to go 5-6 hours at a minimum in July without access to food and water? We do have to consider other safety and comfort issues of the people that come here to support this island, our ponies, our businesses and our Fire Company.”
Chincoteague Mayor Denise Bowden (a Fire Company member herself) addressed the challenges these security measures pose. “This is totally new to us too,” she said. “Never before has this event had a credible threat such as we have now. With that being said, it could all be nothing BUT we have to prepare and put measures in place because there is always that possibility.”
She acknowledged that the new measures would be inconvenient, but pointed out, “What we are putting in place is no different than what other venues across the world do.”
She said the town is working to get water stations in place for some parts of the event. She asked for patience from the public, saying, “Unfortunately folks, this is going to change pony penning forever. The fire company and cowboys roles won’t change, they will continue to do the fantastic job they do. It will change how the town handles the event forever. We just cannot take the chance of one person getting injured due to something like this.”
The origins of the Chincoteague Fire Company and its world-famous pony swim are detailed in our 2022 profile of the Saltwater Cowboys, as the pony-wrangling fire company members are known:
If you want to attend the 100th anniversary event, find details from the Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce and the full schedule here. NOTE: the town reports that at last check, there were less than 50 rooms to rent left available, so secure lodging now if you plan to stay in Chincoteague during the event.
