Chincoteague Pony Swim canceled for first time since WWII
NORFOLK, Va. Officials in Virginia on Monday canceled the annual Chincoteague Island Pony Swim and associated activities because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company also announced its carnival and pony penning celebration, scheduled for July 2, are also canceled for this year. It's the first time the pony penning has been canceled since World War II, the fire company said in a news release. The Chincoteague website noted that the last time the pony penning was canceled was during World War II. The Virginian-Pilot of Norfolk reports the pony swim moves the horses from Assateague Island to Chincoteague Island so that the foals can be auctioned.