01-04-2025
Threats lead to new Chincoteague Pony Drive regulations
CHINCOTEAGUE, Va. (WFXR) — In response to an online threat, the Town of Chincoteague is issuing news rules and regulations for people living on or visiting the island during the annual pony swim, penning, and auction.
While details of the threat, which was received online in January, have not been released, town leaders are taking it seriously.
Because of that, when the event is held during the last week of July, visitors will be prohibited from carrying the following at certain marked venues:
Coolers
Umbrellas
Glass Containers
Bags or Backpacks
However, event-goers will be able to bring in clear bags or clear backpacks.
About 50,000 people attend the event each year. This will be the 100th year for the Chincoteague pony drive made famous in the Marguerite Henry 'Misty of Chincoteague' books.
Money raised by the pony auction helps to fund the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Department. This year's event will be held from July 28 to August 1. Wild ponies are rounded up on Assateague Island. They then swim to Chincoteague where they are auctioned. The roundup is done with the permission of the National Park Service.
The investigation into the threats is ongoing.
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