CHINCOTEAGUE, Va. (AP) — The Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company says the Chincoteague Island’s pony auction netted more than $400,000, a record for the annual event.
The Daily Times reports that although the pandemic forced organizers to cancel festivities and hold the auction online for a second year, fans of the famed ponies still supported the auction, which ended Thursday.
Bidders spent $420,150, including $3,200 on donated items like quilts and wind chimes. The company says that’s an all time high, breaking a record $388,000 spent on ponies last year. The money raised goes to the fire company, which is responsible for the ponies’ care.