Chincoteague Pony Penning wins state award for top attraction

Chincoteague's annual Pony Penning took a top honor at a state travel association award ceremony in Richmond on Oct. 2.

The Virginia Restaurant, Lodging and Travel Association named the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company's annual Pony Penning the attraction of the year at the ceremony.

The award was among the association's 2017 Ordinary Awards, which celebrate Virginia’s restaurants, lodging establishments and hotels, attractions, and more.

Recipients were honored at a special dinner at The Westin Richmond.

"The Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company is truly honored to be chosen for this award. For 92 years, we have worked hard to bring this event to the people of not just Chincoteague and beyond, but to bring it to world to enjoy. We are truly humbled and feel very blessed to be able to carry on this longstanding tradition," said Denise Bowden, the fire company spokeswoman.

The awardees were selected from among more than 100 nominees.

"We are thrilled beyond words that Chincoteague's very own Pony Penning won the 2017 VRLTA Ordinary Award," said Evelyn Shotwell, Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce executive director.

"The chamber nominated the event for its uniqueness and the dedication of the group of extraordinary volunteers who make dreams come true for so many," Shotwell said, adding, "It has a huge economic impact on the local economy. The chamber thanks all event organizers and supporters for their continued efforts to provide almost a century of Pony Penning memories."

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“The winners of the 2017 Ordinary Awards represent all the extraordinary people and companies that make up Virginia’s hospitality and tourism industry,” said Eric Terry, President of the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association.

“On behalf of the VRLTA, our staff, and board, we applaud the efforts of these individuals for the exemplary work they have done and will continue to do.”

During the event, the association honored Speaker of the House William J. Howell with the Legislator of the Year Award for his support of hospitality and tourism during his tenure.

Tony DiFilippo, president and CEO of VisitNorfolk, was also honored with a Golden Pineapple Lifetime Achievement Award for his work to grow the tourism industry in Norfolk and throughout the Commonwealth.

For more information about VRLTA’s Ordinary Awards, visit OrdinaryAwards.com or VRLTA.org.

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