Pony Fever or Stalking Misty

I don't know how many times I've read Misty of Chincoteague, and every other book Marguerite Henry wrote, but this year I finally made it to Pony Penning Day. (It's been such a long wait that "Misty" and a somewhat ancient version of the book I read are in a museum.)

Wild ponies have roamed Assateague since time out of mind, and the island is now protected by various park services, but the herd has raised money for the neighboring populated island of Chincoteague's fire department ever since 1924.

Every July the ponies are rounded up by "saltwater cowboys" and moved to Chincoteague via a quick swim across the narrowest channel separating the islands. After a rest, the ponies "parade" down Main Street to a holding pen by the carnival grounds. It's a pony Mardi Gras.

The next day, after an afternoon of intense pony gazing, select foals are sold at auction to fund the fire department, but also to keep the herd vetted and healthy, and at a manageable size.

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Back here on the mainland, catch a double header at Slash Run this weekend with former Slickee Boy and forever guitar slinger, Marshall Keith who will be rounding up fans when he opens for the Ubangis on Saturday,

and the Split Seconds, Drunk Mums, and BBQT take over the stage with gusto on Sunday. 

Please check the DC Rocks calendar for an incomplete list of many more alternatives of things to do if you are not dreaming of ponies at  the beach this weekend.