My District: Is Home to the Chincoteague Pony Swim.

• Author: Caley, Nora

"My District" gives NCSL members a chance to talk about life in the places they represent, from the high-profile events to the fun facts only the locals know. Let us know what's great about your district!

Every year on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, tens of thousands of spectators watch as ponies swim across a channel from Assateague Island to Chincoteague Island. The ponies, which stand no more than 58 inches at the shoulder, live on the southern, Virginia end of Assateague Island. On the last Wednesday of July every year, "saltwater cowboys" pen the ponies, then walk them on the beach and finally guide them into the water for a 10-minute swim during slack tide, the time between tides when there is no current.

The ponies rest for 45 minutes, then walk down a parade route on Chincoteague's Main Street; the foals are auctioned on Thursday. The auction and the weeklong events, including a carnival, raffle, food and other activities, are a fundraiser for the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company, which owns and manages the herd and purchases the grazing permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Then, on Friday, the adult ponies make the swim back to Assateague Island, where they live in the wild for another year. The herd is kept to 150 adult ponies, as the island has limited marsh grasses and fresh pond water.

The Chincoteague Pony Swim, which will be held for the 97th time on July 27, gained attention with Marguerite Henry's 1947 novel, "Misty of Chincoteague," and its sequels. The 1961 movie based on the book is screened for free several times during the week.

NCSL caught up with Virginia Delegate Robert Bloxom Jr. (R), who represents District 100, where the Chincoteague Pony Swim takes place.

What does the Chincoteague Pony Swim mean for your district?

It's twofold. It's a huge tourist attraction, and the week brings worldwide recognition to Chincoteague and to the Eastern Shore. It's also a homecoming for people from Chincoteague, who have grown up there and now live and work somewhere else. They come home for the week.

Have you attended the Pony Swim and other festivities?

I've been numerous times. The best way to go is...