Chincoteague Island 2008 Events

March 21 & 22, 2008
*Easter Decoy & Art Festival & Auction
At the Chincoteague Combined School.
Approx. 100 local and national carvers and artists exhibit their work. Awards are given in various carving categories, art and photography. Special awards are given for best carving display and best art display. There is also a Children’s Choice Award given for a favorite artist. The Curtis Merritt Award of Excellence is awarded to the exhibitor who displays excellence as an individual as well as an artist and/or carver. This award is voted on by the exhibitors. There will be hand carved and/or painted wooden Easter Eggs designed by various exhibitors which will be offered in a silent auction (pictures available upon request). There will be an auction held on Saturday evening at 7:30 p.m. on works of art and carvings donated by the exhibitors.
March 21 – Noon-6:00 p.m.
March 22 – 9:00 a.m. -5:00 p.m.

April thru December, 2008
2nd Saturday Art Stroll
Participating galleries and shops open extended hours with special events
For more information, visit http://www.chincoteagueculturalalliance.org
Call (757) 336-5636.

May 7, 2008
40th Annual Seafood Festival
Sponsored by Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce – Call (757)-787-2460 for more info.

May 10, 2008
14th Annual International Migratory Bird Celebration
Held at the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Attention is focused on bird migration during the spring and fall, when migrants may be seen throughout most of North America. Thousands of shorebirds, numbering over 20 different species, use Chincoteague National Wildlife refuge and Fisherman Island to feed and rest during the spring and fall migration before moving on to their final destination. During the celebration, there will be workshops, lectures, bird walks with birding experts, activities for children, films, guided tours of Assateague Lighthouse, and much more.
Call (757)-336-6122.

May 25, 2008
The Blessing Of The Fleet
Held at the Town Dock. 4:30 p.m.
Local ministers give blessings to protect the watermen from harm and ensure a good fishing season. Private boats as well as commercial fishing boats then form a water parade from the Town Dock to Curtis Merritt Harbor.
For more info. Call Captain Mike Handforth at (757)-336-6861.

July 3,4,5,11,12,18,19,25,26,28-August 2, 2008
83rd Annual Volunteer Fireman’s Carnival
7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Rides, games, food, live entertainment, raffles, and much more. Fun for the whole family. Every Friday & Saturday in July. NO SUNDAYS. Proceeds benefit the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Department.

July 4, 2008
Old-Fashioned Fireworks Display At Carnival Grounds
Celebrate Independence Day on Chincoteague---10:00 p.m.

July 25, 26, 27, 2008
21st Annual Chincoteague Island Blueberry Festival
at the Chincoteague Center
For more information: http://www.chincoteagueblueberryfestival.com

July 30 & 31, 2008
83rd Annual Pony Swim & Auction
Sponsored by the Chincoteague Vol. Fire Co. The Swim & Auction are always held on the last Wednesday and Thursday of July.
The July 30th swim can be viewed from Memorial Park located on East Side Road. The July 31, 2008, auction is held at the Carnival Grounds located on South Main Street.
Auction hours: 8:00 a.m. – Noon
For more information call (757)-336-6161.

August 30 & 31, 2008
Chincoteague Decoy Carver’s Assoc. Decoy Show
At the Chincoteague Center, Sat. – 9am to 5pm, Sun. – 10am to 4pm.
Over 25 exhibitors showcase some of the finest waterfowl carvings and wildlife art from the area. Meet the carvers and artists. Participate in the many raffles to be held. Most exhibits are for sale. Most of the proceeds will be donated back into the community to worthy causes such as the Island Library, the Scouts, and the Scholarship Fund, just to name a few.
Cinda Walls (410) 546-1635.

September 13, 2008
2nd Annual Lure of the Shore
5-10pm
Sponsored by the Eastern Shore Tourism Commission

October 11, 2008
*36th Annual Chincoteague Oyster Festival
At the Maddox Family Campground, Chincoteague Island, VA
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
This event is held to promote the seafood industry and mark the arrival of the oyster season. It is an all you can eat festival consisting of oysters prepared just about every way imaginable, steamed crabs, clam fritters, clam chowder, hush puppies, potato salad, cole slaw, hot dogs, and various beverages. There will be live entertainment for everyone’s enjoyment. An Extravaganza Raffle is held. The winner will receive T-shirts, tickets, lodging, gift certificates for meals, and much more for the following year’s festival. A favorite at the festival is the “Best Place/Space Award”. This is given to the best decorated area. Call the chamber for details. There will also be a variety of souvenirs available for purchase. This is an advance ticketed event. Tickets will sell out. There are usually no tickets sold at the gate. The Chamber accepts Visa and MasterCard. There will be a $5.00 charge for certified mailing. Gates open at 10:00 a.m. Serving begins at 12:00 noon and ends at 4:00 p.m.

October 18, 2008
9th Annual Chili & Chowder Cookoff
Sponsored by Historic Main Street Merchants Association. Call (757)-336-3700 for more info.

November 22-30, 2008
Assateague Island Waterfowl Week
6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge holds open house for a week. There will be a variety of ongoing programs and events. Special guided walks and tours will be available on trails that are normally closed to the public. This week is a delight for birders and photographers since migration is at its peak.
Call (757)-336-6122.

November 28-29, 2008
22nd Annual Deborah Waterfowl Show/Auction
November 28, 2008, 1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
November 29, 2008 , 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Over 100 exhibitors are featured. Each year there is a featured carver and artist. All exhibitors are glad to meet and talk with the public. Exhibits are available for purchase. Refreshments will be available. There is an auction held Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Proceeds from this two day show and auction benefit the Deborah Heart and Lung Center located in Browns Mills, New Jersey.
Contact Jean Clark at (757)-336-3478.

December. 6, 2008
*Chincoteague Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade
7:00 p.m., Main Street, Chincoteague Island, VA
Christmas parade featuring floats, marching bands, color guards, Saltwater Cowboys, Fire Companies from around the Eastern Shore, and a special visit from Santa.

*Denotes Chamber-sponsored events.

List provide by: Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce