Chincoteague Island 2009 Events

January 11, 2009
2nd Annual Bridal & Prom Expo
At The Chincoteague Center
12 noon - 4 pm
http://www.chincoteaguecenter.org/2009-Bridal-and-Prom-Expo.html
Call 757-336-0614 for more information

February 14, 2009
Death By Chocolate
http://www.chincoteaguechamber.com/2009 Death by Chocolate.pdf

April 4 & 5, 2009
Daffodil Festival
Chincoteague Center’s 2nd Annual Flower, Home & Garden Show & 8th Annual Spring Craft Show

April 10 & 11, 2009
*Easter Decoy & Art Festival
At the Chincoteague Combined School
4586 Main Street – Chincoteague Island, VA
April 10 – Noon-6:00 p.m.
April 11 – 9:00 a.m. -5:00 p.m.
Admission Fee: $3.00 each day – children under 12 are free
http://www.chincoteaguedecoyshow.com

April 11, 2009
2nd Saturday Art Stroll
Participating galleries and shops open extended hours with special events.
http://www.chincoteagueculturalalliance.org
Call (757) 336-5636.

April 18, 2009
Bluegrass Concert
At The Chincoteague Center
7 pm
Call 757-336-0614 for more information

April 25, 2009
Eastern Shore House and Garden Tour
http://www.chincoteaguechamber.com/2009-Eastern-Shore-House-Garden-Tour.html

May 6, 2009
41st Annual Seafood Festival
Sponsored by Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce – Call (757)-787-2460 for more info.

May 9, 2009
2nd Saturday Art Stroll
Participating galleries and shops open extended hours with special events.
http://www.chincoteagueculturalalliance.org
Call (757) 336-5636.

May 9, 2009
15th Annual International Migratory Bird Celebration
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on Assateague Island
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 24, 2009
The Blessing Of The Fleet
Held at the Robert Reed Waterfront Park, 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 Waterfront Park to Curtis Merritt Harbor. For details, call Captain Mike Handforth at (757)-336-6861.

June 5, 2009
First Friday Programs
Mark Greenley- "Powahatan People of the Eastern Shore"
7:00 PM
Herbert-H. Bateman Educational:& Administrative Center
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
Sponsored by the Chincoteague Natural History Association
Admission is free for program attendees. After the program, meet the speaker and enjoy light refreshments. For more information please contact the CNHA at (757) 336-3696 or email cnha@verizon.net

June 13, 2009
2nd Saturday Art Stroll
Participating galleries and shops open extended hours with special events.
http://www.chincoteagueculturalalliance.org
Call (757) 336-5636.

June 20, 2009
Bluegrass Concert
At The Chincoteague Center
7 pm
Call 757-336-0614 for more information

June 27, 2009
Peter Stone’s Model Horse Show
At The Chincoteague Center
8-4 pm
Call 757-336-0614 for more information

July 2-4, 10-11, 17-18, 24-25, 27-August 1
84th Annual Volunteer Fireman’s Carnival
Rides, food, fun!!! Carnival leads up to the world famoJuly 3, 2009
First Friday Programs
Dr. Susan Langley - "Historic Shipwrecks of Assateague"
7:00 PM
Herbert H. Bateman Educational & Administrative Center
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
Sponsored by the Chincoteague' Natural History Association
us Pony Swim & Auction.
http://www.chincoteaguechamber.com/pony-events/ev-pony.html

July 3, 2009
First Friday Programs
Dr. Susan Langley - "Historic Shipwrecks of Assateague"
7:00 PM
Herbert H. Bateman Educational & Administrative Center
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
Sponsored by the Chincoteague Natural History Association
Admission is free for program attendees. After the program, meet the speaker and enjoy light refreshments. For more information please contact the CNHA at (757) 336-3696 or email cnha@verizon.net

July 4, 2009
Old-Fashioned Fireworks Display At Carnival Grounds
Celebrate Independence Day on Chincoteague
Carnival Grounds at 10:00 p.m.

July 11, 2009
2nd Saturday Art Stroll
Participating galleries and shops open extended hours with special events.
http://www.chincoteagueculturalalliance.org
Call (757) 336-5636.

July 24-26, 2009
22nd Annual Chincoteague Island Blueberry Festival
At the Chincoteague Center
Arts & Crafts, Food & Music
http://www.chincoteagueblueberryfestival.com
(757) 824-3868.

July 29 & 30, 2009
84th Annual Pony Swim & Auction
Wednesday, July 29: The Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company’s annual Pony Penning always takes place on the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday in the month of July. The world famous Chincoteague Ponies swim from Assateague Island to Chincoteague Island (less than 1000 yards) on Wednesday at the first “slack tide”. The first foal ashore is named King or Queen Neptune and is given away in a raffle later that day at the Carnival Grounds. The Carnival opens immediately after the swim. Proceeds from this event fund the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company. Monies are used for maintenance and purchase of equipment and care of the pony herd. A free shuttle runs the day of the swim to transport the 40,000 attendees to the swim site since parking is very limited to handicap only at Memorial Park.
Thursday, July 30: From 8:00 a.m. until noon an auction is held at the Carnival Grounds. People begin arriving around 7:00 a.m. to get a front row seat. The number of foals sold each year is determined by the Fire Company. The ponies are checked and cleared by veterinarians before being released to their new owners. Cash, Master Card, and Visa are accepted as payment. The Carnival opens immediately after the auction.
For more information call (757) 336-6161.
http://www.chincoteaguechamber.com/pony-events/ev-pony.html

August 7, 2009
First Friday Programs
Chris Seymour - "Assateague Lifesaving Stations"
7:00 PM
Herbert H. Bateman Educational & Administrative Center
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
Admission is free for program attendees. After the program, meet the speaker and enjoy light refreshments. For more information please contact the CNHA at (757) 336-3696 or email cnha@verizon.net
Sponsored by the Chincoteague Natural History Association

August 8, 2009
2nd Saturday Art Stroll
Participating galleries and shops open extended hours with special events.
http://www.chincoteagueculturalalliance.org
Call (757) 336-5636.

August 15, 2009
Bluegrass Concert
At The Chincoteague Center
7 pm
Call 757-336-0614 for more information

September 4, 2009
First Friday Programs
John Amrhein - "The Hidden Galleon"
7:00 PM
Herbert H. Bateman Educational & Administrative Center
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
Admission is free for program attendees. After the program, meet the speaker and enjoy light refreshments. For more information please contact the CNHA at (757) 336-3696 or email cnha@verizon.net
Sponsored by the Chincoteague Natural History Association.

Sept. 5 & 6, 2009
Chincoteague Decoy Carver’s Assoc. Decoy Show
Chincoteague Center, 6155 Community Drive, Chincoteague Island, VA
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.
Contact: Cinda Walls (410) 546-1635.

September 12, 2009
2nd Saturday Art Stroll
Participating galleries and shops open extended hours with special events.
http://www.chincoteagueculturalalliance.org
Call (757) 336-5636.

September 18-20, 2009
Square Dance Square-Up
At The Chincoteague Center
Call 757-336-0614 for more information

October 10, 2009
*37th Annual Chincoteague Oyster Festival
Maddox Family Campground, Chincoteague Island, VA
Gates open at 10:00 a.m. Serving begins at 12:00 noon and ends at 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. No pets inside the festival grounds. The oyster festival is held rain or shine.
Tickets sell out quickly! Call today (757) 336-6161. VISA & MC.
http://www.chincoteagueoysterfestival.com/

October 10, 2009
2nd Saturday Art Stroll
Participating galleries and shops open extended hours with special events.
http://www.chincoteagueculturalalliance.org
Call (757) 336-5636.

October 17, 2009
10th Annual Chili & Chowder Cookoff
Sponsored by Historic Main Street Merchants Association. Call (757)-336-3700 for more info.

November 7 & 8, 2009
Holiday Craft Shopping Extravaganza
At The Chincoteague Center
For More Info call 757-336-0614

November 14, 2009
2nd Saturday Art Stroll
Participating galleries and shops open extended hours with special events.
http://www.chincoteagueculturalalliance.org
Call (757) 336-5636.

November 21-29, 2009
Assateague Island Waterfowl Week
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge holds open house for a week.
Hours: 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
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 27-28, 2009
23rd Annual Deborah Waterfowl Show/Auction
November 27, 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
November 28, 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.
Public contact: Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce at 757-336-6161
Exhibitor contact: Jean Clark at (757)-336-3478.

Dec. 5, 2009
*Chincoteague Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade
Main Street, Chincoteague Island, VA
7:00 p.m.
Christmas parade featuring floats, marching bands, color guards, Saltwater Cowboys, Fire Companies from around the Eastern Shore, and a special visit from Santa.
Contact: Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce at 757-336-6161.

December 12, 2009
2nd Saturday Art Stroll
Participating galleries and shops open extended hours with special events.
http://www.chincoteagueculturalalliance.org
Call (757) 336-5636.

*Denotes Chamber-sponsored events.

List provide by: Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce