Greetings from Chincoteague Island- Spring 2010

Greetings from Chincoteague Island!

Spring on Chincoteague Island has surely sprung! Evelyn's work has just begun.


Good Afternoon All,
Ready to get Out & About and enjoy the weekend? As you can see, there are many, many things to get into the next couple of weeks. Spring has sprung, flowers are blooming, grass is growing, and it’s not raining! Take advantage of the sunshine to enjoy the great outdoors.

OUT & ABOUT

April 30 & May 1: Green Energy Symposium—Potential Economic Impact for Virginia’s Eastern Shore—Friday 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at ESCC Workforce Center in Melfa, VA. Call 757-789-7979 or email lfosque@es.vccs.edu for more information.

May 1: “Operation We Care” collection of items for care packages to our troops in Afghanistan and Iraq at Mr. Baldy’s Restaurant around 11 a.m. Contact Jeff Merritt at 410-713-8940 or jemerritt314@yahoo.com.

May 1: Countywide Spring Clean—Tipping fees will be waived at both county landfills for residential waste and recyclable materials in an effort to encourage Accomack County citizens to remove unsightly refuse from homes, yards, and communities. Landfills will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

May 1 & 8: Farmer’s Market behind Don’s Seafood Restaurant from 8 a.m. to Noon.

May 1 & 2: Discount weekend for local residents at Delmarva Discovery Center in Pocomoke City
Rocket Launch Saturday 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.—Let’s Go Fly a Kite! Sunday 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

May 2: Poetry Reading by Bill Hollis at 2 p.m. at Sundial Books. For more info call 757-336-5825.

May 4: Caregiver Connection at Chincoteague Hospice Resource Center 6309 Church St. from 2:30 to 4 p.m.

May 5: Seafood Festival at Tom’s Cove Park sponsored by the Eastern Shore of VA Chamber of Commerce. Tickets available at the Chincoteague Chamber (cash & check only), Waterside Inn, PNC Bank, & Shore Bank. To purchase with a credit card call 757-787-2460.

May 6: The Last Station will be the featured film at the Island Roxy Theater at 8:00 p.m.

May 8: Mother Earth Day Festival at Robert Reed Waterfront Park from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. featuring art, music, vendors and hazardous waste collection trailer. (See attachment)

May 8: International Migratory Bird Celebration---Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Entrance fees to Refuge waived for the day. See attachment for a complete list of events.

May 8: Second Saturday Art Stroll—Participating shops will be featuring special exhibits, demonstrations, music, bead making and more. Visit Threadgoodes for Mad Hatter Mother’s Day Tea Party from 4 to 7 p.m.

May 12: Mid-Atlantic Institute for Space & Technology 1st Annual Intern Recognition Dinner at Pocomoke VFD Community Center at 6:30 p.m. Contact Lori Graham for tickets at 410-957-6570 or lori@mistusa.org.

NASA Visitor’s Center: Open Thursday-Monday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. March-June. Free and Fun!
Assateague Lighthouse Tours: Friday, Saturday, Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Call 757-336-3696 or visit www.piping-plover.org for more information.
Refuge Wildlife Bus Tours: April: Saturday at 1:00 p.m. and Sunday at 10:00 a.m.
May: Friday at 4:00 p.m., Saturday at 1:00 p.m., Sunday at 10:00 a.m.

WHAT’S UP WITH YOU???
MERCHANTS: SEND US NEWS….General info only…no coupons or discounts please. Format: Name of Business….short phrase or sentence. Limit all to one line of text. Send to chincochamber@verizon.net by noon Wednesday for inclusion in current Out & About.
• Capt. Bob’s Flounder Tournament May 7-16. Visit www.captbobs-marina.com to register.
• Captain Steve’s Flounder Tournament May 7-16. Visit www.stevesbaitandtackle.com to register.
• YMCA Camp Silver Beach Open House Sunday May 2—2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Meet directors, tour facility, & snacks.
• Lower Shore YMCA in Pocomoke City is looking for promo items (brochures, pens, magnets, coupons, etc.) to put in Triathlon participants’ bags. Contact Paul Becker at 410-957-9622 or pbecker14@gmail.com if you have items to donate to promote your business. Many participants are from DE, NJ, VA and vacation in Chincoteague or Ocean City. Items are needed by May 15.



Evelyn
Evelyn Shotwell
Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce
757-336-6161

Chincoteague Island- Springtime tips for homeowners

Chincoteague Island - Springtime tips for homeowners

Owning your home is a huge accomplishment and one that most people are very proud of. Due to the busy schedules we all have though there may be things inside of your home as well as around the yard that don’t get the attention they need. Spring is the perfect time of year to spend taking care of all of them.

Making a list of what needs to be accomplished is the best place to start. Then you can start to tackle different things on the list until they are all done. You should reflect on what you have accomplished so that you will stay motivated to finish. Not all of the jobs we have to do in the spring time are fun but they can be rewarding.

For example when you sit down on your porch swing you will love being able to see how lovely your yard looks. You won’t be seeing the fence that is broken or needs painting anymore as it has now been taken care of. When the home is well cleaned and the yard is in shape then you will be able to view home as your safe haven. It will be your palace where you can relax.

Your home and your yard should also be places to have fun. They don’t need to be kept like a museum. Encourage your children to express their talents in the home such as by displaying various crafts for the springtime. They should also have lots of room to run and play in the yard.

Making improvements to your home may be on your list, but you have been putting them off due to the cost. Keep in mind that it doesn’t have to cost very much to make positive changes. Adding a coat of paint to the walls or brightening up a room by purchasing new curtains is very easy and cost effective.

Shop for used items too online or locally at second hand stores. You may find great items that you can display in your home or in your yard. Art for the walls is a nice way to bring in spring. A statue or other décor for the yard can also be a great way to enhance it too.

You can cut back on electricity too by allowing the sun to shine in the home and leaving the lights off. That natural sunlight can also make you feel better by improving your mood. While you can’t always to outside you can open the windows and also let the cool air come in. This is a great way to benefit from spring and to treat your mind and body as well.

For more tips on how to prepare you home or vacation rental for the coming season, be sure to attend the Annual Chincoteague Daffodil Festival at the Chincoteague Center on April 10th & 11th, 2010. The Daffodil Festival is the Eastern Shore of Virginia's only Flower, Home, Garden and Spring Art & Craft Marketplace. For more information and discount coupons, please visit http://www.Chincoteaguedaffodilfestival.com

Chincoteague - January's Snowy Exit

Greetings from the possibly snowed -in Chincoteague Island, Virginia.

January may be exiting in a flurry of white stuff,but Chincoteague Island is a great place to weather a storm, so come on down! Make sure you stock up at Wine, Cheese and more before you dig in and of course pick up some books and tunes at Sundial Books.

Let's see what Evelyn Shotwell at the Chamber has for us if we decide to venture out.



Good morning all,
Are you ready for the snowy weekend? Been to the grocery store? Got plenty of snack food and movies? Sounds like a good weekend to snuggle up with a good book or movie! If you do happen to get “out & about”, here are a few things to enjoy. Listen to local radio and TV stations for cancellations or postponements or call the sponsors before you head out the door just in case plans have changed.
I plan to have my first snow cream of the season!!! Can’t wait….


OUT & ABOUT

January 30: 2nd Annual Chincoteague Pancake Eating Contest at Mr. Baldy’s Restaurant at 10:00 a.m.—Call 757-336-1198 for details to enter. Lots of winter fun! See how you “stack up”!!

January 31: Eastern Shore Wedding Expo at the Eastern Shore Community College Workforce Development Center—12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Call 757-789-5927 for details. An opportunity for you to make wedding dreams come true. Meet local caterers, florists, reception vendors, hair & makeup consultants, photographers, gown and tux retailers, and other wedding service providers.

February 2: Caregiver Connection at Hospice Resource Center 6309 Church St—2:30-4:00 p.m.

February 3, 2010—Chincoteague Chamber’s Annual General Membership Meeting at the Chincoteague Center – 7:45 a.m. – Light breakfast, networking time, guest speaker Steve Potts of the Eastern Shore of Virginia Tourism Commission, and sponsor Waste Management of Delmarva. Come and enjoy!!

February 6-7: Special savings at Delmarva Discovery Center—50% off all admissions, one child FREE with paid adult, total admission for a family of four=$10—show driver’s license to receive discounts if you live in Worcester County MD, Somerset County MD, Wicomico County MD, Sussex County DE, or
Accomack County, VA.

February 10: History of Deal Island MD by regional historic researcher Dan Parsons—7:00 p.m.—Free and open to the public.

February 13: 4th Annual Death By Chocolate—come join us in our sweet celebration from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Pick up a playing card from any merchant displaying the Death By Chocolate poster, complete your card while enjoying treats and shopping, and enter your completed card at Waterside Inn for a chance to win fun prizes donated by local merchants—drawing at 6:15 p.m. Call the Waterside Inn at 757-336-3434 for more information.

NASA Visitor’s Center: Open Monday-Friday through February. Call 757-824-2298.



2010 CHINCOTEAGUE ISLAND VISITOR’S GUIDES ARE at the Chincoteague Chamber
STOP BY SOON TO PICK UP A CASE OR A FEW FOR YOUR BUSINESS
Call Evelyn Shotwell at the Chincoteague Chamber for more info.
757-336-6161

Chincoteague Daffodil Festival - set to Bloom

*** FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE***

The Annual Chincoteague Daffodil Festival – Set to bloom April 10th & 11th, 2010

The annual Chincoteague Daffodil Festival celebrates the coming of Spring with a Flower, Home, and Garden Event now in it’s third year with the long- running Spring Fine Art and Craft Marketplace that has been held at the Chincoteague Center for 9 years.

Thousands of daffodil bulbs have been planted in the past two years to enhance the mood of rebirth that signals the arrival of spring on the beautiful Chincoteague Island. Springtime is the ideal time of the year for a Chincoteague Island Vacation.

The Chincoteague Daffodil Festival is an event for all of the Eastern Shore of Virginia residents and guests alike and features a stunning array of plants, flowers, garden art, unique products for the home and hearth, garden equipment, pools and spas, expert gardeners and landscapers to offer their advice and demonstrations. The Chincoteague Daffodil Festival combines fun with education and entertainment.

The Chincoteague Daffodil Festival is held at the beautiful Chincoteague Community Center, 6155 Community Drive, Chincoteague Island, 23336. The event is held both indoors and outdoors on the spacious grounds bursting in springtime bloom.

The Fine Art and Craft Marketplace is held indoors and outdoors and features a fabulous presentation by some of the finest Artists and Crafters both local and regional.

Back by Popular demand will be Pepper Jack Grille who will be preparing their wonderful Breakfast and Lunch offerings under the guidance of Chef Annie. Come Hungry! Leave Happy! Pepper Jack Grille’s menu is available for viewing at www.ChincoteagueDaffodilFestival.com

Additionally, there will be fun activities for the kids, and non-stop Live Music by Local and Regional musicians.

The Chincoteague Daffodil Festival is still seeking quality exhibitors in all categories. Interested parties should visit www.ChincoteagueDaffodilFestival.com for an application. It is here that you can also view the music video of the 2009 Chincoteague Festival and pick up discount coupons.

The Chincoteague Island Daffodil Festival is proud to announce our Top Sponsors for 2010; Maplewood Gardens and Prism Pools & Spas. Both will be presenting impressive displays and offering professional consultations. Additionally, Maplewood Gardens will be giving away a Shopping Spree and Prism Pools & Spas will be giving away a Green Egg barbeque grill.

The Chincoteague Daffodil Festival will be held on April 10th and 11th , 2010 from 9am-4:30 on Sat. and 10am to 3pm on Sun. Admission is $5.00 for adults and is Free for children under 12.

The Annual Chincoteague Daffodil Festival has become increasingly popular in recent years attracting both locals and tourists alike to a truly unique, family –friendly Eastern Shore Event.

For more information, contact Sam Serio 757-894-2334, samserio@esva.net or
Visit www.ChincoteagueDaffodilFestival.com

Chincoteague Main Street Merchants Association

Chincoteague Main Street Merchants Association

Well, 2010 is well under way and along with the many changes that will be coming to Main St. on Chincoteague Island, so come a fresh new crop of leaders to the Chincoteague Main Street Association.

The following officers have been elected to serve for the next two years: the newly elected president is Karen Murphy from the Blue Crab Boutique, for vice-president we have Ruth Ann Mason from the Waterside Inn; Ann Warnick from Ann’s Hairport is the new secretary, and Mercer Domino form the Sea Star Café Gourmet Carry Out is the new treasurer. The Chincoteague Insider would like to congratulate them all. They face many challenges in the upcoming years. The change in traffic patterns created by the new entry point of the Chincoteague Bridge will be a big one, but the charm of the Historic Section and it’s planned revitalization and visual upgrades will keep this area of Chincoteague a “must see.” and “must shop” location.

The Historic Main Street Merchants Association is open to all businesses on Main Street, Chincoteague Island. Be on the look out for their ever-popular “Death by Chocolate” event coming on February 13. Also, coming is the Search for the Shamrock on March 20, 2010. The Farmers Market reopens in April and runs through September and with a little luck better weather will grace the wonderful Chili Chowder Cook-Off on Oct. 16. this year.

One thing is for certain, no Chincoteague Island Vacation is complete without a thorough exploration of Chincoteague’s Historic Main St. For more information about The Chincoteague Historic Main Street Merchants and their special events please contact Cathy at 757-336-2610 or visit their web site at http://www.ChincoteagueMerchants.org

See you on Main St. in beautiful Downtown Chincoteague Island, Va.

Chincoteague Island in the Winter Season

Chincoteague Island – Fun and Adventure in the Winter Season
By Sam Serio

Chincoteague Island and Assateague Island in the winter are entirely different, but no less appealing, places than they are in summer season.. The summer throngs of tourists have long gone, and many of Chincoteague's mainstay summer attractions like the beach and bike rental shops have battened their hatches until the return of spring. Chincoteague’s amazing seafood, however, remains available at island eateries all year long! There are many wonderful seafood stands that sell the freshest possible seafood delicacies like oysters, fresh fish, clams, scallops and crabs that you can prepare yourself if you are so inclined.

What a winter visit to these Eastern Shore of Virginia islands will give to those who pay attention is the chance to see the world of barrier islands from an entirely different perspective.

Coming to Chincoteague Island and Assateague Island in the summer, when the water offers respite from the blazing sun and thousands of visitors crowd the beach sands, it's hard to reach beyond the obvious appeal of these islands to the more subtle treasures lying beneath.

By the time winter arrives on Chincoteague and Assateague, the golden, green, and sapphire tones of summer have been supplanted by quieter browns, grey-greens, and grey-blues. The brightest hues you'll find are the iridescent black, blue, and green patches decorating the wings of the teal ducks which now descend on the islands in large numbers, attracting waterfowl hunters in large numbers of their own.

Life changes dramatically during the winter for the herd of Maryland’s Chincoteague ponies on Assateague Island. While the ponies are summertime's biggest draw for the more than one million visitors coming to Chincoteague each year, all that attention make some of the members of the free-running Maryland herd forget their wild heritage and behave like panhandlers, approaching tourists to beg for food.

Visiting Assateague Island in the winter, after the ponies have had a chance to decompress from their days in the spotlight, will let you appreciate them for what they are: living links to an island past which included visits both from Virginia's Native Americans, who gave Chincoteague its name "beautiful land across the water," and from English settlers who arrived in the early 1600s to begin the process of building a new nation.

In the town of Chincoteague itself, the winter decompression from the frenzy of summertime means kids heading back to school and resumption of the town's official business. But it also means that it's time for Chincoteague's Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade, a festive night-time celebration during which Santa himself joins the Saltwater Cowboys, several Eastern Shore marching bands and fire departments, and some ingeniously decorated floats in a procession down Main Street.

Death by Chocolate, during which local merchants entice visitors with chocolate treats, celebrates Valentine's Day and the almost-end-of-winter. Enjoy enough of them, and you'll have a chance to win some terrific prizes!

Finally, as they are everywhere else, the winter days on Chincoteague are short. You’ll simply have to pack as much daylight fun into your visit before the winter witching hour between 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM, when the most glorious sunsets of the entire Chincoteague year occur! By the way, isn’t that Cocktail Hour?

Until the next year, the Chincoteague Insider wishes all lovers of a Chincoteague Island Vacation a very happy and prosperous New Year!

Chincoteague Vacation- your island soundtrack

Chincoteague Vacation – your island soundtrack

Back in the early seventies, while I was attending the University Of Maryland at College Park, I discovered WHFS-FM radio that at that time broadcasted from Bethesda, Md.
This station later moved to Annapolis and went through a number of Rock and Classic Rock iterations, but back in the day, it was the greatest free-form, DJ programmed music machine I have ever heard.

Low-key on-air personalities with names like Little John and Cerphe played spontaneous music choices and wove tapestries of musical combinations that could move through a dizzying array of musical genres in a single hour. Blues, old-time, Reggae, obscure Singer-Songwriters, Dylan bootlegs, Bluegrass, Folk, Avant-Garde, Big Band, Bee-Bop, Doo Wop, Country, you name it. Plus off-the-cuff interviews, post hippie rants and pontifications etc. were the norm. I could listen for hours. This was mind expanding radio and my musical world was stretched beyond words.

It was here that I first heard the likes of Tom Waits,John Prine, John Coltrane’s Naima, Sun Ra, Monk, Mingus, Pharoah Saunders, David Van Ronk, Bruce Cockburn, Firesign Theater, Buddy Guy,Tim Buckley, Richard Thompson, Pentangle, King Crimson, Lenny Bruce and legions of other musicians and artists that would never find their way to normal commercial radio formats.

That kind of radio doesn’t really exist anymore, but right here on Chincoteague Island, WCTG-FM 96.5 is about as close as you get to this sort of creative programming.

WCTG hosts a number of programs that are totally driven by the on-air personality’s
creative impulses and flights of sonic fantasy.

Shows like Michael Weldon’s Psychotronic Music Show, truly radio at it’s creative best with controlled thematic insanity. The Bucket List hosted by Jon Richstein and Steve Furness…I love this show! There’s One Nation UnderGround and of course, The Doc and Dean Show and much more. The programming at WCTG would be a stand out in any market nationwide and it’s right here on Chincoteague Island.

So, when you are planning your next Chincoteague Island Vacation, just remember that you don’t really need your MP3 player. WCTG-FM is one outstanding mixture of musical styles and genres to suit nearly any taste and has become the soundtrack for many a Chincoteague Island adventure. Be sure to give it a listen!

Until the next time…

Chincoteague Insider-standing ovation for the CCA

Chincoteague Insider- standing ovation for the CCA

As we near the end of the calendar year here in 2009 and we begin the whirlwind of Holiday festivities with family and friends, the Chincoteague Insider thought it fitting to give-it-up for the Chincoteague Cultural Alliance.

The Chincoteague Cultural Alliance is
truly the “Home of the Arts on Chincoteague Island,” and I want to go on the record as being very grateful for their existence. I say that not only for the entertainment they have brought to me personally, but for the fact that they enrich the Chincoteague experience to an immeasurable degree and create a unique yet complementary layer to the many other offerings this wonderful island contains.

The Chincoteague Cultural Alliance gives prospective visitors to Chincoteague Island a different take on a Chincoteague Island Vacation, thus expanding the base of possible visitors. This is undeniable in my opinion.

In my humble opinion, every business on Chincoteague Island should be feeling this spirit of gratitude as well. We are all the better given the hard work and tangible results the CCA brings to Chincoteague Island.

Let’s take a brief look in review of what the CCA brought to Chincoteague in 2009; Scott Ainsle, Wale Liniger, the Blue Rhythm Boys, Trio Milpa-Wind Ensemble, The Plein Air Art Event, Music at the Dock, Chincoteague Unplugged, the Summer Film Series, the “Day in the Life of the Island” photo contest, the Native American Festival, and of course the 2nd Saturday Art Stroll…Wow! What a year.

So, let me take the risk of naming names. I say this because I fear leaving some worthy individual out, but I’ll be brave.

Bill Troxler, Bob Behr, Billie Dayton, Jane Richstein, Jon Richstein, John Beam, Nancy West, Megan McCook, Karen Lukacs and Madelaine Adamson and anyone else who works with the CCA…the Chincoteague Insider is giving you a rousing round of applause for a job well done. Thank you for the amazing entertainment you bring to Chincoteague Island. I can’t wait to see what you have up your collective sleeve for 2010.

Bravo!

Until the next time…

Chincoteague Island Vacation in the Snow?

Chincoteague Island Vacation in the snow?

Greetings from a chilly but sunny day here on the beautiful Chincoteague Island! The weatherman is actually calling for some snow here on the weekend, so why not plan a Chincoteague Island Vacation /Winter Wonderland Experience. It’s not that crazy an idea! There’s still plenty of activities as you will see from Evelyn Shotwell’s . Out & About List and besides can you imagine anything more romantic than sipping champagne while gazing out of the window of one of Chincoteague Island’s amazing waterfront hotels with the snow gently falling on the inlet? Just imagine…


From: Evelyn Shotwell
Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce
Out & About

Merry Christmas All,
In the midst of all the holiday frenzy, there are still a few opportunities to see Santa if you still need to let him know what you want under the tree!! Enjoy some time with loved ones, watch plenty of football, and eat lots of goodies! Then go “out and about” to walk off the extra pounds.

OUT & ABOUT

December 18: Santa visits New Church Welcome Center—All children, parents and adults are invited to visit between 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. to share Christmas wish lists.

December 18-20: To Bethlehem & Beyond—live drive-through Nativity featuring 14 scenes and live animals will be held at the Union Baptist Church grounds on Church Street from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.

December 19: Onancock Christmas Parade—5:00 p.m.—Market Street Onancock.

December 22: Hospice Grief Support Program at Resource Center 6309 Church St.—1:30-3:00 p.m.

December 22 & 23: Santa Tours Chincoteague—The Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Co. will take Santa to the north end of the island on Dec. 22 and to the south end on Dec. 23. Tours begin around dusk but listen for the sirens to let you know Santa is in your neighborhood!!

December 25: Christmas Day!! Enjoy Family & Loved Ones.

*For more Info. Please contact the Chincoteague Chamber at 757-336-6161

Chincoteague Daffodil Festival- set to bloom in 2010

The Annual Chincoteague Daffodil Festival-
Set to bloom April 10th & 11th 2010

The annual Chincoteague Daffodil Festival celebrates the coming of Spring with a Flower, Home, and Garden Event now in it’s third year combined with the long- running Spring Fine Art and Craft Marketplace that has been held at the Chincoteague Center for 9 years.

Thousands of daffodil bulbs have been planted on the greenspace at the Chincoteague Center in the past two years to enhance the mood of rebirth that signals the arrival of spring on the beautiful Chincoteague Island. Springtime is the ideal time of the year for a Chincoteague Island Vacation.

The Chincoteague Daffodil Festival is an event for all of the Eastern Shore of Virginia residents and guests alike and features a stunning array of plants, flowers, garden art, unique products for the home and hearth, garden equipment, pools and spas, local and regional businesses and services, expert gardeners and landscapers etc to offer their advice and demonstrations. The Chincoteague Daffodil Festival combines fun with education and entertainment.

The Chincoteague Daffodil Festival is held at the beautiful Chincoteague Community Center, 6155 Community Drive, Chincoteague Island, VA. 23336. The event is held both indoors and outdoors,rain or shine on the spacious grounds bursting in springtime bloom.

The Fine Art and Craft Marketplace is held indoors and features a fabulous presentation by some of the finest Artists and Crafters both local and regional.

Back by Popular demand will be Pepper Jack Grille who will be preparing their wonderful Breakfast and Lunch offerings under the guidance of Chef Annie. Come Hungry! Leave Happy! Pepper Jack Grille’s menu is available for viewing at www.ChincoteagueDaffodilFestival.com


Additionally, there will be fun activities for the kids, and non-stop Live Music by Local and Regional musicians.

The Chincoteague Daffodil Festival is still seeking quality exhibitors in a all categories. Interested parties should visit www.ChincoteagueDaffodilFestival.com for an application. It is there that you can also view the music video of the 2009 Chincoteague Daffodil Festival, get your Free copy of the ebook "Daffodil Secrets Revealed," and pick up discount coupons.

The Chincoteague Daffodil Festival is proud to announce our Top Sponsors for 2010, Maplewood Gardens who will be giving away a $500 Shopping Spree and Prism Pools and Spas who will be giving away a Green Egg barbeque grill.

The Chincoteague Daffodil Festival will be held on April 10th and 11th, 2010 from 9am-4:30 on Sat. and 10am to 3pm on Sun. Admission is $5.00 for adults and is Free for children under 12.

The Annual Chincoteague Daffodil Festival has become increasingly popular in recent years attracting both locals and tourists alike to a truly unique, family –friendly Eastern Shore Event.
For more information, contact Sam Serio 757-894-2334, samserio@esva.net or
Visit www.ChincoteagueDaffodilFestival.com

Chincoteague Island Vacation-Oct. Happenings

Greetings from the Chincoteague Island! Here, once again is Evelyn Shotwell's list of things to do while on your Chincoteague Island Vacation in October.

Take it Evelyn!



Happy Oyster Festival Weekend!!!
We hope you can join us on Saturday for the chamber’s big party!! Don’t wait---get tickets now. There are only a few left.
Be sure to tell your guests about the free trolley service on Saturday. Have a wonderful time while out & about eating oysters!!!

OUT & ABOUT

October 6-27: Watercolor: Level II Beginners Landscape Class—Every Tuesday in October--9 a.m. to noon or 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Call Delmarva Discovery Center at 410-957-9933.

October 7: Join Governor Tim Kaine & Eastern Shore neighbors at the Eastern Shore Welcome Center Grand Opening from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Contact Donna Bozza at 757-787-8268 for advertising opportunities.

October 7: Plein Air Watercolor Workshop at a riverside residence outside Pocomoke City from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call 410-957-9933 for more information.

October 9 & 10: FALL ROUND UP—Go to Assateague and watch our hard working volunteer firefighters round up the famous wild ponies for their annual vet checks and shots.

October 9: Eastern Shore Community College Community Educations program will be hosting a FREE play about the struggles of the watermen of Tangier Island. Play starts at 2:00 p.m. in the Great Hall of the College’s new Business Development & Workforce Training Center.

October 10: OYSTER FESTIVAL----TICKETS GOING FAST—CALL TODAY TO GET YOURS!!!!! BE A PART OF THE PARTY. Shirts (short sleeve & long sleeve T’s and sweatshirts), hats, mugs, posters and bags on sale now in the chamber office. Attached is a flyer about the Trolley that will be running free of charge for the festival.

October 10 & 11: Celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Week—9 a.m. to 4 p.m.—Free admission to the Wildlife Refuge on the 10th to enjoy wildlife art shows, photography programs, Circle of Life Fun Run/Walk, exhibitions, Virginia Living Museum Animal Presentation and so much more. Family fun activities to “Give Wing to your Wild Side”.

October 10: Second Saturday Art Stroll—After eating your fill of oysters at the 37th Annual Oyster Festival, spend the evening enjoying the many exhibits, demonstrations, wine tasting, music, and much, much more on Main Street, Maddox Blvd. and Church Street. Schedules at the chamber.

October 10: Pocomoke River Adventure Series—Kayak the Pocomoke—Call 410-957-9933 for more.

October 11: Oyster & Maritime Museum Open House---2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Free admission, local historical collections & refreshments.

October 12: Small Business Workshop—Learn How to Make your Small Business More Successful—sponsored by Delegate Lynwood Lewis & ESCC featuring presentations from Virginia Department of Business Assistance—5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.—ESCC Workforce Development Center--- RSVP to delllewis@house.virginia.gov or 757-787-1094

October 14: Plein Air Watercolor Workshop at Cypress Park & Dock from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call 410-957-9933 for information.

October 17: 10th Annual Chili Chowder Cook Off—Robert Reed Waterfront Park---10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.—Arts & Crafts, boat rides, great food, family fun, live music. Little Miss Chili Pepper & Mr. Hot Stuff Competition. Boys & Girls ages 3-6 are encouraged to enter. Contact Karen Murphy at 757-894-3544 or mike.murphy2@verizon.net. Application deadline is Tuesday October 13.

October 17: Chincoteague Island Library Official Ribbon Cutting ceremony on the north porch of the library on Main St.—3:00 p.m.

October 17: Walter “Wale” Liniger performs blues at the Senior Center on Church Street at 7:30 p.m. call 757-336-5636 or visit www.chincoteagueculturalalliance.org for ticket information.

Customer Service Curriculum Fall 2009—Classes begin October 13. Schedules available in the chamber office or call the Eastern Shore Community College at 757-789-1751 or 757-789-7979 or email rlock@es.vccs.edu.


*ASSATEAGUE ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE TOUR: October-November: Friday, Saturday, Sunday

*ASSATEAGUE ISLAND BUS TOURS: October-November: Sat. 1:00 p.m./Sun. 10:00 a.m.

***The Town of Chincoteague along with Kevin Krome and Steve Potts, owners of Bill’s Restaurant, are working to improve the Christmas Pole Decorations along Main Street and possibly extend them down Maddox Blvd. If you would like to make any amount of donation to this worthy project to enhance the beauty of the island during the Holidays, please call Kevin at 757-894-0051.





Evelyn
Evelyn Shotwell
Office Manager
Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce

Have a Chincoteague Island Vacation

Have a Chincoteague Island Vacation



Chincoteague Island is a 7 mile stretch of natural beauty, coastal charm, and Southern down-home hospitality on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Thousands of visitor’s from around the world vacation in this small paradise that’s big in tradition, an abundance of natural charm and an atmosphere of romance
If you decide to take a page from their travel itineraries, you'll soon understand how easy it is to succumb to the spell of Chincoteague Island. That same spell has captivated the Chincoteague colony of artists, who do their best to capture the spirit and substance of life on their beloved island in paint, sculpture, glass, metal, and wood and of course carve decoys.

Chincoteague Island, Virginia can be your stepping stone to the undeveloped wilds of Assateague Island, the 37-mile barrier island to its east which for millennia has protected Chincoteague from the worst of the Atlantic's legendary gales. Assateague is where you'll find the world-famous ponies of Chincoteague running free.
The Chincoteague ponies, spend their days happily grazing and sunning in and along the marshes, forests, and beaches of the Chincoteague Island National Wildlife Refuge at the southern end of Assateague. This all changes when they are rousted for the Annual Chincoteague Pony Swim. They share their territory with over three hundred different migratory bird species which make Chincoteague and Assateague the best bird-watching haunts on the East coast.. Bring your binoculars for a truly unforgettable Chincoteague Birding Adventure.

You won't understand why the ancient Algonquin Indians named Chincoteague "The Beautiful Land across the Waters" until you've witnessed the sun setting across its marshes or stood on the Assateague shore at dawn as the Atlantic waves tumble along the pristine sands. Spend as much time as you like exploring the solitude of Assateague's protected waterways by kayak, canoe, or nature cruise. Cast your line from a deep sea charter for marlin and other great gamefish, or dig for a supper of legendary Chincoteague "Lil Nik" clams.

Step into the Eastern Shore of yesteryear by reserving your accommodations at one of Chinctcoteague’s exceptional 19th century bed and breakfasts, one of which was built before the Chincoteague Islanders displayed their characteristic independence by remaining loyal to the Union during the Civil War. Drift off to sleep and awaken again to the gentle whispers of the surf and the island breezes, and start your day's adventure with a breakfast of mouthwatering Southern delicacies. A Chincoteague Island Vacation is best enjoyed with a full stomach.

Chincoteague Island boasts a full array of Chincoteague Hotels from Big Name players like the Hilton, The Comfort Suites, The Waterside Inn, the Island Motor Resort and of course the Refuge Inn. Perfect for a romantic getaways or a full- blown Chincoteague Island Vacation, these big players stay open year-round. Many of the smaller hotels, motels, cabins and campgrounds are available year round as well. Any season of the year is the perfect time for a memorable Chincoteague Island Vacation.
Take time to mingle with the local artisans and shopkeepers. View the ceiling mural at wood carver Jay Cherrix Sistine Shed, as well as his life-size sculpture of a Chincoteague pony foal. Get up close and personal with Chincoteague's marine life at the Island Aquarium where the touch tank will give you a hands-on introduction to both fish and shellfish.

Plan your Chincoteague Island Vacation to coincide with the 2ndSaturday Stroll, a Chincoteague Cultural Alliance Event, or one of the many festivals like the Chincoteague, Daffodil Festival, the Chincoteague Blueberry Festival, Chincoteague Bike Week, the Chili- Chowder Cook Off, the Oyster Festival and many others.
Experience seafood in a different way by lunching on clam chowder or crab cakes at one of Chincoteague's several outstanding seafood restaurants.
Follow lunch by crossing to Assateague Island on a rented bike for some wildlife viewing on the Wildlife Refuge's loops.

Put the perfect ending on your day in Paradise by boarding Captain Barry's champagne evening cruise. You'll be entertained with the Captain's encyclopedic knowledge of Chincoteague history and enchanted by the sight of the sun setting on Chincoteague Bay!
All in all, Chincoteague Island is loaded with all of the ingredients for a truly unforgettable Chincoteague Island Vacation.

You are invited to learn more about Chincoteague Island by visiting www.chincoteagueislandvacations.com
Or
www.chincoteagueoutlook.com






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