The 2020 Chincoteague Volunteer Fireman's Carnival and Pony Penning celebration, scheduled for July is canceled thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic.
A release from Alex Tucker, President of the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company, Inc. states that, "The Board of Directors of the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company voted to cancel the 2020 Chincoteague Volunteer Fireman’s Carnival & Pony Penning celebration scheduled to begin July 2, 2020."
The decision was made after reviewing the three phases to open Virginia by Governor Ralph Northam.
The last time the pony penning was canceled was 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 corona virus, it was the only logical decision to make," the statement from Alex Tucker reads.
The foals of the pony herd will be sold in an online auction, the Pony committee will determine that date. You can stay up-to-date on all changes made with the pony swim here.