By Carol Vaughn —
Chincoteague’s annual Pony Penning will not be held this summer — the first time the event has been canceled since World War II.
The Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company Board of Directors voted Monday to cancel Pony Penning and also the 2020 Chincoteague Volunteer Fireman’s Carnival due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The decision came “after carefully analyzing the three phases as set forth by Gov. Northam for opening Virginia,” according to a press release.
The carnival was scheduled to begin July 2.
Wednesday July 29, would have marked the 95th year of Chincoteague’s annual Pony Swim, with the Pony Auction held at the carnival grounds the following day.
Pony Penning week attracts thousands of visitor to Chincoteague each year.
“Please understand that this was not an easy decision to make, with the last pony penning being cancelled over 78 years ago during the second World War. We know how much this community loves this fire company and supports our carnival but with the restrictions put into the phases to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, it was the only logical decision to make,” said the release from Alex Tucker, president of the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company.
The plan is to hold an online auction, instead of the traditional in-person auction, to sell foals from the Chincoteague wild pony herd, which is owned and cared for by the fire company.
The date for the online auction is to be determined.
“Plans are still being arranged as to where the ponies will physically be during the auction and we encourage you to keep a close watch on the developments as plans are made public on the auction,” Tucker said in the release.
Tim Jennings, longtime auctioneer for the pony auction, will conduct the online auction, “and it should be a positive event for this fire company,” Tucker said.
“I pray all of you are staying safe, and please don’t hesitate to call us if you need us. We will always be here for you!” he said.
Additionally, Sam Serio, who operates Chincoteague’s annual Blueberry Festival around the same time as Pony Penning, announced Monday the 33rd Annual Blueberry Festival will be rescheduled for July 2021.
