The 2009 Annual Pony Swim and Auction ~ July 29 & 30, 2009
Carnival dates: July 2-4, 10-11, 17-18, 24-25, 27-August 1st
Note: The Carnival is Closed on Sundays

Thursday, July 2, 2009: 7:00 p.m. - Opening Ceremony and Welcome. Carnival attractions.

Friday, July 3, 2009: 7:00 p.m. - Carnival Opens. Carnival attractions.
Saturday, July 4, 2009: 7:00 p.m. - Carnival Opens. Carnival attractions with Fire Works Celebration starting at 10:00 p.m.

Special Ambulance Nights
Friday, July 10, 2009: 7:00 p.m. - Carnival opens. Carnival attractions.
Saturday, July 11, 2009: 7:00 p.m. - Carnival opens. Carnival attractions. All proceeds go into Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company Ambulance Fund (For purchase of new equipment and maintenance of life-saving and ambulance equipment).

Friday, July 17, 2009: 7:00 p.m. - Carnival opens. Carnival attractions.
Saturday, July 18, 2009:7:00 p.m. - Carnival opens. Carnival attractions.

Friday, July 24, 2009: 7:00 p.m. - Carnival opens. Carnival attractions.
Saturday, July 25, 2009:7:00 p.m. - Carnival opens. Carnival attractions.

Pony Penning Week
Monday, July 27, 2009: 6:00 a.m. - "Beach Walk" - See the ponies make their way from the north corral to the south corral along the beach. Meet at Assateague Beach by 6 a.m.
7:00 p.m. - Carnival opens. Carnival attractions with entertainment on stage at 11:00 p.m.
 
Tuesday, July 28, 2009: 7:00 p.m. - Carnival opens. Carnival attractions with entertainment on stage at 11:00 p.m.

Pony Swim Day
Wednesday, July 29, 2009: Pony Swim - Between 7:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. (Up-dated Time of Pony Swim to be Announced)

• Time can not be predicted exactly as it's dependent on tide, currents, and readiness of ponies
• Ponies swim Assateague Channel at Chincoteague Memorial Park located on the east side of the island
• No charge by Fire Co. for parking (at High School - click here)
• After a brief rest, ponies are herded to Carnival Grounds
• For parking and shuttle bus information - click here (includes map with bus stops)
• The first colt to come ashore in the pony swim (King or Queen Neptune) will be given away at the carnival grounds. Time to be announced. You must have a ticket. You must be present to win.
• 6:30 p.m. - Entertainment on stage
• 7:00 p.m. - Carnival attractions
• 11:00 p.m. - Entertainment on stage
  (Entertainment schedule subject to change)

Auction Day
Thursday, July 30, 2009 - Pony Penning, Auction of Ponies
8:00 a.m. to 12 noon - Auction of Ponies (yearlings or younger) owned by the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Co. Carnival attractions after the auction.
6:30 p.m. - Entertainment on stage
7:00 p.m. - Carnival attractions.
11:00 p.m. - Entertainment on stage.
(Entertainment schedule subject to change)

Friday, July 31, 2009 - Extend your trip to Friday
Ponies return to Assateague - (Time to Be Announced)
7:00 p.m. - Carnival opens - carnival attractions with entertainment on stage at 11:30 p.m. (Entertainment schedule subject to change)

Saturday, August 1, 2009
7:00 p.m. - Carnival opens - carnival attractions.
At the closing of the Carnival on August 1, drawings for the following prizes:

• A New Harley Davidson Motor Cycle
• Western Caribbean Cruise for two - with spending cash!
• Handmade Chincoteague Pony Quilt
• Separate tickets required for each drawing. You do not have to be present to win.

All proceeds go to defray expenses and into the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company general fund for maintenance and replacement of equipment and for emergency use for the benefit of the entire community.

The carnival may be extended in the case of inclement weather. All events are on daylight saving time - all times are approximate. The entertainment schedule is subject to change.

No pets are permitted on the Carnival grounds, in parking areas, or in vehicles (attended or unattended).