Chincoteague Pony Swim

Since 1925, rain or shine, the Volunteer Fireman's Carnival Pony Round Up and Swim across Assateaque Channel at Chincoteague Memorial Park on the east side of island has delighted visitors from across the globe. At "slack tide" on the last Wednesday of every July, Chincoteaque's "Saltwater Cowboys" herd about 150 ponies across Assateaque Channel. The ponies are rested and then herded and paraded to the carnival grounds. On Thursday ponies are auctioned as a fundraiser to benefit the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company.