Pony swim set on Va.'s Eastern Shore

Virginia's Eastern Shore is set to celebrate the 85th edition of the Chincoteague pony swim.

Tens of thousands of visitors are expected to witness the annual spectacle Wednesday made famous by Marguerite Henry's 1947 novel “Misty of Chincoteague.” Each year ponies are auctioned to raise money for the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company, which cares for the Virginia herd.

As in past years, the Coast Guard is assisting local firefighters in establishing a security zone for the pony swim. They are advising boaters to give the ponies plenty of room.

Ponies that are not sold and those donated back to the fire department will roam free for another year on the national wildlife refuge on Assateague.

-- Associated Press