Regional events for now or later.

slug: me/ponyswim date: 07/30/03 photog: Ricky Carioti TWP location: Chincoteague, Va. summary: 78th Annual Chincoteague Volunteer Fireman's Pony Round-up and Swim. caption: Shown are wild ponies making the swim across the Assateague Channel during the 78th Annual Chincoteague Volunteer Firemen's Pony Round-up and Swim Wednesday July 30, 2003 in Cincoteague, Va. StaffPhoto imported to Merlin on Wed Jul 30 15:30:07 2003 (Ricky Carioti - Twp)

WET PONY CONTEST . Chincoteague Island on Virginia's Eastern Shore salutes its volunteers with the 80th annual Fireman's Carnival ( July 22-23 and 25-30 ), complete with a Ferris wheel, the Whip, kiddie rides and plenty of funnel cakes. On July 24 , spend an evening at the island's community center with the Frontier Riders , for roping demos, tomahawk throwin' and pony rides. All the hoopla leads to the famous Pony Swim ( July 27 ), where the first horse to cross the Assateague Channel will be crowned King (or Queen) Neptune, and the Pony Auction (July 28), benefiting local firefighters .

Most events free, Frontier Riders $15. Times vary. About three hours from the Beltway on Chincoteague Island, Va. 757-336-6161,http://www.chincoteaguechamber.com.

-- Anne McDonough