Chincoteague Summer Rules Part.2

Chincoteague Summer Rules Part 2



The Big Event of the Chincoteague Island summer, the yearly Chincoteague Pony Swim and Pony Auction, is held on the last Wednesday and Thursday of July. Crowds in excess of 40,000 people come to the Island, outnumbering the locals by a ratio of 10:1! Finding a good shoreline spot from which to view the ponies swimming the channel has become more difficult each year. On hazy days, seeing them may be impossible from the shore.

Why not do the smart thing and reserve a seat on one of the Pony Swim Charters (you’ll have to book one well in advance) for a guaranteed close-up of the ponies? You’ll also have guaranteed access to a restroom while you wait for the action to begin?

The second most famous residents of Chincoteague and Assateague are the blue crabs, and Chincoteague Island summers are peak crabbing season! Head for the Chincoteague Veteran’s Memorial Park Waterfront with some chicken necks secured to fishing lines and a net to secure your catch. Simply drag your lines across the channel floor and wait for some bites.

One of the most magical experiences you can have during a Chincoteague Island summers is the after-dark Assateague Island ranger-led campfire and marshmallow roast. As the Atlantic surf pounds in the darkness, your ranger will tell of the exploits of Blackbeard. The legendary pirate said to have hidden in the waters off Chincoteague, and with flaming ropes entwined in his beard, leapt with his crew onto passing ships and seized them.

Assateague Island is constantly being reshaped by the sea, and the Assateague Lighthouse which once stood on the shore, with its beacon warning approaching ships of the offshore reefs, is now in the middle of a field. Nothing stays forever on these enchanting islands, except the fun and adventure!

Chincoteague Summer Rules

Chincoteague Summer Rules

Firemen, fireworks, and Assateague campfires are all at the heart of a Chincoteague Island summer. Although the first influx of summer tourists usually begins right after Memorial Day, the pace of summer activities continues to heat up right along with the temperature.

Peter Stone’s Model Horse Show arrives at the Chincoteague Center about a month before the Chincoteague ponies make the trip from Assateague Island during Pony Penning Days at the end of July. While the Stone model horses may not be alive, they are certainly striking and much lower maintenance than a Chincoteague pony foal!

Chincoteague, along with the rest of the former colony of Virginia, celebrates Independence Day with a 10:00 PM Fireworks Festival at the Chincoteague Carnival grounds. The Fireworks Festival spells the end of the first weekend Chincoteague Fireman's Carnival, held every weekend throughout July and culminating with a five-day run, including the Pony Auction, at the end of the month,

The Fireman's Carnival features all the amusement park rides, food, games, and live music you'd expect from a summertime fair. During the third weekend in July, it coincides with the annual Chincoteague Blueberry Festival at the Chincoteague Center.

The Blueberry Festival is a tribute one of summer’s most beloved (and good-for-you) symbols in all its delicious forms. It’s also a gathering of talented artists and crafters from all over the Delmarva Peninsula, who come to participate in the Christmas in July Shopping Extravaganza. There’s no better place to find unique hand-crafted jewelry, carvings, candles, or artwork souvenirs of your Chincoteague summer!

Did you know that July is National Blueberry Month? Well it sure is and Chincoteague celebrates nature's tastiest and most nutritious fruit with the Chincoteague Blueberry Festival held July 24th, 25th & 26th, 2009. To learn more about the Blueberry Festival please visit www.chincoteagueblueberryfestival.com.

Later...


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Chincoteague Outlook in the Beacon

Top of the afternoon to all and of course, greetings from the "beautiful land across the water", otherwise known as Chincoteague Island. It's a bit cloudy, breezy, hot and humid here on the island today and the feel of summer has begun to settle in. With Juluy 4th weekend just a week away, the number of people on the island has dramatically increased and there is a bit of hustle and bustle, so to speak.

The sister web site of www.chincoteagueislandvacations.com is www.chincoteagueoulook.com and we received some nice exposure from the Chincoteague Beacon in this weeks issue which came out on June 25, 2009 Vol.20, No.26. www.chincoteagueoutlook.com is the Online Video Community for Chincoteague.
The headline read "Web sites to serve Chincoteague." This headline came from the pen of Chincoteague Beacon reporter at large Greg Meritt.

Greg and I spent a pleasant hour on the waterfront in some very comfortable chairs behind Don's Seafood on a recent afternoon. It was here that he conducted the interview for his story and took the picture of the Chincoteague Outlook Van. Yes, that's yours truly the Insider posing in fron tof the Chincoteague Outlook graphic on the side of the white van. Greg is an interesting guy himself and I sort of interviewd him as well through force of habit I guess.

The artwork on the side of the Outlook van has been the subject of quite a bit of interest. The basic design was done by my partner Larry Warwick and the vehicle work was done by Wally Makuchal of Makuchal Signs in Girdletree, Maryland. Wally is a fascinating guy, a sort of Renaissance Man with many interests and talents, including that of being a very accomplished Wildlife Artist. To learn more about Wally, check out his video on www.chincoteagueoutlook.com or visit his website at www.MakuchalSigns.com

Speaking of my partner Larry Warwick, he and I will be shooting video on the island this week for some of our new clients commercials on www.chincoteagueoutlook.com. If you have a business and would like to be a part of the advertising community on our websites, be sure to call me, Sam Serio at 757-894-2334 and we will get you started.

Oh, and if you see the Chincoteague Outlook Van riding around and about Chincoteague Island, be sure to wave. Our two web sites are here to serve the community of Chincoteague and we are very proud of this amazing island and hope to play a part in helping it flourish moving forward.

Until the next time...

Hooray for the Chincoteague Chamber!

Greetings from Chincoteague Island!

I thought I would take this opportunity to say a few things about the wonderful work the fine folks at the Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce do for Chincoteague Island and the Chincoteague business community. Suzanne Taylor, the Executive Director of Marketing & Tourism works tirelessly to spread the word about Chincoteagues' many virtues and The Insider is proud to know her.

Ms.Taylors' steady right hand is Evelyn Shotwell, the Office Manager and Bookeeper at the Chincoteague Chamber. Evelyn sends out a weekly email called "Out and About" and she is always one step ahead of everybody in uncovering some wonderful little happenings that are often underpublicized. The Insider istaking the liberty of sharing her list of "things to do" in the upcoming week.

Be sure to drop in at the Chincoteague Chamber in their newly refurbished home, smack-dab in the middle of the circle on Maddox Blvd., as you head to the beach. These ladies are totally on top of all the events, accommodations, and all the rest here on Chincoteague Island. Oh, and tell them the Chincoteague Insider says,Hi, and many thanks for all they do!

Here Is Evelyns' List of upcoming happenings:

OUT & ABOUT

June 26: A Terrior-Orion suborbital sounding rocket was launched from NASA Wallops Flight Facility at 5:30 a.m. Call 757-824-2050 or visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/wallops/home/index.html for launch updates.

June 26-28: Grand Opening Weekend—Delmarva Discovery Center on the Pocomoke River. Friday & Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sunday Noon to 4:00 p.m. Enjoy 10% off admission with guided tours & demonstrations throughout the weekend. 410-957-9933.

June 27: Jericho Bridge Bluegrass Concert at Downtown Dock at Robert Reed Waterfront Park at 7:00 p.m. Free concert sponsored by Chincoteague Cultural Alliance. Traditional acoustic music, instrumentals, and original songs. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy!

June 27: Peter Stone’s Model Horse Show at Chincoteague Center from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Visit http://www.stonehorses.com/ for more info.

June 27 & 28: Puppets in Space—11:00 a.m. NASA Visitor Center

June 27 & July 1: Farmer’s Market behind Don’s Seafood Restaurant—8:00 a.m. to Noon.

June 27: Artist Reception to view unique engraved wood paintings of Award Winning Florida artist Tony Krysinsky at Blue Crab Gallery, 4072 Main St. from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

June 28: Living in Space—1:00 p.m. at NASA Visitor Center.

June 28: Discover the Pocomoke River aboard the Bay Queen at the Delmarva Discovery Center in Pocomoke City MD. Live entertainment and light buffet by Waterman’s Inn. Limited tickets available. Call 410-957-9933 for information.

June 30 & July 2: Island History Tours aboard the Trolley at 2:45 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. Tours depart from Chincoteague Center. Tickets available at 2:15 p.m. on day of tour.

July 1: Bob Sima Concert at the Senior Center on Church Street at 8:00 p.m. Tickets available at the door or online at http://www.chincoteagueculturalalliance.org/. Click on Music and look for “Chincoteague Unplugged”.

July 2: Free concert by Salisbury Brasswerkes at 7:00 p.m. in Robert Reed Waterfront Park. Bring your beach chair or blanket and your own “Old Glory” to wave.

July 2: Senior Education at the Senior Center on Church St (11:00 am to 11:30 am)
Caregiver Connection at Hospice Resource Center Chincoteague (2:30-4:00 pm)

July 2-4: CARNIVAL OPENS!!! Fireworks July 4 at 10:00 p.m. at the Carnival Grounds.

July 2-August 13: Story time each Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. for children ages 4 to 8 years at the Chincoteague Island Library on Main Street. Explore the world of books, music, arts & crafts. (On July 30, story time will be from 1:00 to 2 p.m.) A parent must accompany children.

July 2-6: Assateague Lighthouse Open for tours 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Visit http://www.piping-plover.org/ for updates on schedule for remainder of summer.

July 3: First Friday Evening Program at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, 7:00 p.m. Free Refuge Admission after 6:00 p.m. Dr. Susan Langley of the MD Historical Trust will speak on the “History of Shipwrecks Off the Eastern Shore”.

July 4: INDEPENDENCE DAY FIREWORKS CELEBRATION at Carnival Grounds at 10:00 p.m.

*Pony Art Lessons, Pony Shows, Riding Lessons, Pony Rides, Carriage Rides, Day Camp and Horse Care Camp at the Chincoteague Pony Center Monday through Saturday. Call 757-336-2776 for more information.

*Program Schedule for Assateague National Seashore: Follow the links below for activities including bird and nature walks, kayaking, surf rescue demonstrations, beach campfires and night hikes.
http://www.nps.gov/asis/upload/June%2021-27.pdf and
http://www.nps.gov/asis/upload/June%2028-July4.pdf

*Refuge Wildlife Tours: Thursday-Sunday 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Call 757-336-3696 or
Visit http://www.piping-plover.org/.

*“RIDE THE PONY EXPRESS”. We have schedules in the chamber office and you will find it on http://www.chincoteaguechamber.com/.

SUMMER IS OFFICIALLY HERE ONCE THE CARNIVAL OPENS. ENJOY OYSTER & CLAM FRITTERS, SOFT CRAB & CRABCAKE SANDWICHES, FISH SANDWICHES, PIZZA, HOT DOGS & HAMBURGERS, FRIES, FUNNEL CAKES, COTTON CANDY AND MORE. RIDES, GAMES, & RAFFLES.

HAVE LOTS OF FUN IN YOUR OUT & ABOUT TIME.


Evelyn

Evelyn Shotwell
Office Manager
Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce
6733 Maddox Boulevard
Chincoteague Island, Virginia
23336

For more information :
757-336-6161-ph
757-336-1242-fax
chincochamber@verizon.net
http://www.chincoteaguechamber.com/

Until the next time...

Chincoteague Seafood recipes

Chincoteague Seafood Recipes Revealed


For a bit of fun, we've decided to look at how Chincoteague seafood has been prepared over the years. Here's a revised recipe from a century ago, based on one in the 1908 edition of Miss Parloa's New Cook Book And Marketing Guide with updated amounts in parentheses:

Baked Oysters

The ingredients are:

12 Natural, silver-plated, granite-ware, or tin oyster shells

One quart of Chincoteague Salt oysters
Half a pint (1 cup) of cream or milk
One pint (2 cups) of bread crumbs
One tablespoonful of butter if cream is used
Three tablespoonsful of butter if milk is used
Two tablespoonsful of flour
Salt, pepper, and freshly grated nutmeg to taste

Drain all the liquor from the oysters into a stew-pan. Let it come to a boil, and skim.
Mix the flour in the cream or milk and add it to the skimmed liquor, boiling the mixture for two minutes. Add the butter and seasonings, then the oysters, and remove from the heat. Test and adjust the seasoning as necessary.

Add the oysters to the shells, leaving room for a thick layer of breadcrumbs. Bake for fifteen minutes, remove to a platter, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.

Pick up some frozen soft-shell crabs from one of Chincoteague's roadside stands, and try another of Miss Parloa's 1908 recipes:

Soft-Shell Crabs.

Lift the shell at both sides and remove the spongy substance found on
the back. Then pull off the "apron," which will be found on the under
side, and to which is attached a substance like that removed from the
back.

Wipe the crabs, and dip them in beaten egg, and then in fine
bread or cracker crumbs. (Salt and cayenne pepper can be substituted for the egg and breadcrumbs.) Fry in boiling fat from eight to ten minutes,
the time depending upon the size of the crabs. Serve with tartar sauce.

The passage of time can do nothing to dim the love well-prepared seafood. Why not either borrow a page from Miss Parloa's cookbook, or come up with a classic of your own and make Chincoteague seafood a regular at your dinner table?

Chincoteague Seafood - It's what's for dinner

Chincoteague Seafood - It's What's for Dinner

Seafood has been an Eastern Shore dinner staple since before the day in 1607 when the English first arrive at Cape Henry, encountering a group of Native Americans lunching on pit-roasted oysters, crabs, and clams. When the surprised natives ran away, the hungry new arrivals finished their feast and continued to depend on the area's abundant seafood.

Although those Native Americans and Englishmen didn’t know it, the seafood they were eating was both loaded with mineral and vitamins, and rich cholesterol-lowering fats. Having Chincoteague seafood for dinner just twice a week could be all it takes to control cholesterol counts!

If having Chincoteague seafood twice a week sounds like things might get boring, just remember that the kind of seafood available off Chincoteague's shores changes from season to season. Depending on the time of year, the Chincoteague waters will yield (to name just a few) delectable bluefish, red and black drum, and striped bass sharks, sea trout, tuna, wahoo, kingfish, and marlin, tautog, and flounder.

If you love shellfish, pack up your clamming rake, wait for low tide, and head for Toms Cove on Assateague Island to try your luck collecting Lil Niks. Oysters, available all year, take on the flavors of the waters in which they grow. Those growing off Chincoteague have a marvelous salinity which accounts for their name "Chincoteague Salts."

Shucked Chincoteague Salts are waiting on ice at the island markets for you to take home, or at the island restaurants in such classic recipes as Oyster Stew or Breaded Fried Oysters.

Then there are those Chincoteague crabs! Peak crabbing season is in the early summer, when the blue crabs emerge from a winter of hibernating in the Chincoteague mud. Catch your own at the waterfront near Memorial Park, or off the middle of the bridge leading to Assateague. A piece of string tied to a chicken neck and a net are all the gear you need!

So here's a money saving tip, go out on one of the many docks, piers, marshes and coves on Chincoteague Island and bring home some crabs for dinner! What are you waiting for?

Look for some great recipes in the next edition of the Chincoteague Insider.

Until the next time...

Insider Father's Day Greeting

Insider Fathers Day Greeting

Greetings from Chincoteague Island! And a warm and deeply felt Happy Fathers Day to all Dads wherever they may be. It’s cloudy and a bit breezy here on Chincoteague Island, but I hope you are enjoying Fathers Day on the water, at the beach or just hanging out on the deck with a cool one.

Though I lost my Dad a few years ago, his thoughts are constantly with me. He taught me a lot and I cherish the good memories. For me personally, there has been no experience that I have enjoyed more than being a Dad myself. It’s a big responsibility and a source of great joy. So, to all of you Father’s out there, the Chincoteague Insider “ totally gets it!” Have a wonderful Fathers Day!

Until the next time…

Chincoteague Library - a New Beginning

Chincoteague Library - a New Beginning

The Jester family has been a pillar of the Chincoteague Island for nearly two centuries. Kendall Jester, who along with Robert Watson is said to have introduced the practice of pony penning to Chincoteague, owned 600 acres of land and a 1727 home at Wildcat Marsh, where his ponies roamed. Jester Street runs between Willow Street and Main Street.

At 4077 Main Street is the building which since July 4, 1995 has housed the Chincoteague Library. Before that, between 1908 and 1982, it housed the barber shop of Wallace Jester, and before that, it was a drugstore. The Chincoteague Library, in fact, is the oldest wooden frame structure in the town of Chincoteague!

When the old building was moved to the corner of Main and Mumford Streets in 1995, it was thanks to the efforts of a citizens' group (Chincoteague's citizens have always been blessed with abundant community spirit). They not only raised funds to convert the former barber shop to a library; they volunteered their time to staff it. Chincoteague Library today is managed by only two part-time employees and an amazing group of 26 volunteers!

Even when the library was in the planning stages, however, its Board of Directors realized that their renovated barbershop would not always be adequate to the task of keeping Chincoteague's population supplied with the collection of books and other library services it required. Expansion was always in the cards, and since 2006, efforts have been underway to enlarge the 750-foot library.

Those efforts have included a wide range of fund raising efforts, from things as simple as placing collection boxes in the shops of Chincoteague's merchants, and a donation from the profits from the sale of fresh blueberries at the Chincoteague Blueberry Festival and others, to qualifying for a $50,000 grant from the Argyle fund of Eastern Shore’s Norfolk Foundation. When the land adjacent to the existent library was donated, the expansion project’s success was guaranteed.

One of the most heartfelt fundraising efforts has come from a dozen of Chincoteague Island's talented musicians, who have combined to produce a "Music To Read By" CD. There's something for everyone on this CD, which includes bluegrass, classical, New Age, gospel, blues, and even Celtic offerings.

The performers themselves were as young as 21 and as old as 92, with professions which run the gamut from locksmith and auto mechanic to a retired college president and a NASA worker! Every penny of the Music To Read By CD goes directly into the library expansion fund!

A similar generous spirit from Chincoteague residents, ironically enough, was a major reason expansion became necessary! The book donations to the children's collection alone are so great that there is no longer enough room for them on the shelves. The two-story new facility will also provide room for both more Internet-connected computers, and for community programs.

On the second story of the Library addition, there'll be a section devoted to Chincoteague history. Somewhere in that section, the current members of Chincoteague’s oldest families will certainly find mention of the ancestors who had their hair cut at Wallace Jester's Barber Shop!

Chincoteague's Best Shot

This is a Special Edition Chincoteague Insider Blog. Some things just can’t wait until the regularly scheduled posting. This Special Edition concerns a very cool special event by the always creative Chincoteague Cultural Alliance or CCA. The CCA is very adept at conjuring up ideas that merge art and creativity with promotion of Chincoteague Island and their current offering is a fabulous idea.

The CCA is challenging locals and visitors alike to “Show them Your Chincoteague.” This is a PhotoFest where entrants submit digital pictures of Chincoteague Island that they take on June 19 & 20th. Theses photographers then drop off their “creative capturings” at the Senior Center on Saturday June 20th from noon-2pm.

Photographers of all ages and skill levels are welcome to participate in this contest called “A Day in the Life of the Islands.” Cash prizes will be awarded, but you can ask the CCA about that part. I just want my readers to be informed about this very creative idea. Kudos to the CCA once again!

Photos will be shown after dark at the beautiful Robert Reed Park. Interested photogs can register online or onsite. Awards will be presented at 8pm at the Senior Center.

For more information, call 757-894-1957 or www.chincoteagueCulturalAlliance.org

Until next time…

Chincoteague Insider Chagrin and more...

Chincoteague Insider Chagrin and more

O.K. let me start this post with a correction. In last weeks weekend preview, I certainly gave the impression that the Chincoteague Bluegrass Alliance Concert was being held last weekend. Well that was a blunder! In fact the June concert which is being held at the beautiful Chincoteague Center is actually this weekend. This months concert features two great Bluegrass Bands, Satyr Hill from Baltimore and Thunder Creek, from Wakefield. For complete information, please call Bill Chrisman at 757-336-3030.

It is important to the Insider that we correct our mistake because we really support the fantastic work that Bill Chrisman and the Chincoteague Bluegrass Alliance does. Bill’s love of Bluegrass Music is infectious and we are grateful that he is bringing this fabulous American Music to the island on a regular basis.

By the way, in addition to some great music at the Bluegrass Alliance Concert, there is also homemade ice cream, delicious barbecue and some real friendly folks with a passion for great music. Make it a point to catch one of these concerts. For more information, please check out www.chincoteaguebluegrassalliance.com.

Good News! The Assateague Island National Seashore announced Free weekends during the Summer. The free weekends will be in effect on both the Maryland and Virginia Side of the Beach. The fees have been waived for June 20-21, July 18-19 and August 15-16. What a fantastic opportunity to enjoy one of the finest beaches in the entire country…for free! This is just one more reason to visit Chincoteague Island this Summer.

This weekend at the island Roxy Theater, “Land of the Lost” and “Angels and Demons.” Both films will run from June 19th to June 25th. For more information please call 757-336-6301. Check out next Monday’s new blog entry that explores a bit of the colorful history of the Island Roxy Theater.

Be sure to catch up on all the new videos and features at www.chincoteagueoutlook.com.

Coming Soon!

Look for the new blog entries from Jane Richstein of Sun Dial Books who will be featuring local authors.

Until the next time…

Chincoteague Bridges: Goodbye to the Old- Hello to the New

Chincoteague Bridges - Good-Bye to the Old, Hello to the New

Since 1940, the only way for anyone to reach the Virginia island of Chincoteague was by boat, or over the Causeway Bridge which crossed both Black Narrows and the Chincoteague Channel before reaching the Town of Chincoteague. This bridge was built to replace the original Causeway Bridge which opened in 1922, thanks to the tireless work of John B. Whealton, who was awarded $144,000 to complete the job!

When the first Causeway Bridge was opened to much fanfare on November 15th, 1922, more than four thousand people showed up with their automobiles to enjoy the festivities. Before the afternoon ended, rain had begun to fall. The newly opened Causeway unfortunately proved unable to handle both the rain and heavy automobile traffic, and 96 vehicles remained trapped on it.

With typical Chincoteague enterprise, the town's residents used their own boats to ferry the stranded visitors to the safety of local hotels. When the hotels were booked up, they took the strangers into their own homes! The automobiles, over the next few days, were placed on barges and carried to either Franklin City or Wisharts Point for their owners to collect.

John Whealton’s building company spent the next month reinforcing the soil on which the Causeway had been constructed with tons of oyster shells, and the bridge reopened before Christmas. The failure of the bridge was an embarrassment, but the hospitality of the Islanders set a standard which has continued to this day!

Because of that hospitality, however, increasing traffic on the bridge required its replacement in 1940. The 1940 bridge now brings more than 1 million annual visitors to Chincoteague, making the island one of the most popular vacation spots on the entire Atlantic seaboard.

During the 1940s, the bridge was a popular crab-catching spot for the island youngsters, and also served as a diving board into Chincoteague Channel for the bravest among them! In the days before automation, the bridge was manned by a bridge tender around the clock, and the bridge houses which served as dining and bedrooms for the bridge tenders remain to this day.

The bridge tenders had the responsibilities not only for opening the bridge to boat traffic, but have actually maintaining the bridge by giving it regular coats of paint to protect it from the weather and grease to keep it open and closing smoothly. Even during the unforgettable Ash Wednesday storm of 1962, which had Chincoteague Island underwater for days, the bridge tenders manned their posts around the clock!

Time, however, has taken its toll on the Causeway Bridge and in 2008, the Richmond office of the American Bridge Company was given a $68.7 million contract instructed to replacement bridges scheduled for completion in November 2009. The shorter of these bridges, the Marsh Island Connector, will access Marsh Island at the same place as the present Black Narrows Bridge.

The longer bridge will extend from the west side of Black Narrows at VA-175 and continue north and east to the intersection of Main Street and Maddox Boulevard. It's been planned to relieve the enormous traffic congestion which builds up around the Chincoteague Fire Department. Although it’s a two-lane bridge, the lanes are wider than those of the Chincoteague Channel and Black Narrow Bridges, which no longer meet safety standards.

Both the older bridges, after nearly seven decades, will be taken down when the new bridge is opened. For many of the residents of Chincoteague, losing those bridges will be like losing old friends with whom they spent some of the happiest hours of their lives!

Chincoteague Weekend- Big Music,Artsy Stroll

Chincoteague Weekend- Big Music-Artsy Stroll

Chincoteague Island is set to hit some high notes this weekend starting with a Free concert at the beautiful waterfront Robert Reed Park. These free concerts produced by the Chincoteague Cultural Alliance are a valuable addition to the ever-expanding buffet of CCA musical offerings. Kudos to Bill Troxler, Musical Director of the CCA who by the way has a newly released CD himself. If you want more information about Mr. Troxler’s new CD, please call Jon Richstein of Sundial Books Fame at 757- 336-5825 and he will tell you all about it.

Now, about that Free Concert at the Dock.
This Saturday’s concert begins at 5pm and features a talented duo from Cumberland, Pa. called Hemlock Hollow. Roger and Chris Wilkinson play in a range of styles from classic folk to old time country, originals and covers of favorites like the Beatle’s and the Stones. Bring a beach chair and enjoy!

The Island Bluegrass Alliance is at it again with a couple of great Bluegrass Bands performing at the Chincoteague Center. Satyr Hill from Baltimore, Md. and Thunder Creek from Wakefield, Va., will touch all the Bluegrass bases, traditional, gospel, old-time etc. in two shows, one at 5pm and another at 7pm. For more information call Bill Chrisman at 757- 336-3030.

Be sure to check out Bill Chrisman’s new video interview on www.ChincoteagueOutlook.com under the Personalities Button. Bill ruminates about the origins of the Island Bluegrass Alliance and his love of Bluegrass Music.

The Linda Nerine Gallery at 6519 Church St. will be hosting a talented multi-media artist as part of the Second Saturday Art Stroll. Lucy Roehm a resident of both Philadelphia and Chincoteague Island has become one of the most collected artists on the island. Ms. Roehm works in watercolor, oil, acrylic, graphite and pencil. For more info. 757-336-5322.

And speaking of the 2nd Saturday Art Stroll, there is a virtual Cornucopia of artists, musicians and special events throughout the island, way too many to list here. For a full rundown of this not-to be-missed monthly extravaganza, the Insider suggests that you visit www.chincoteagueculturalalliance.org . I can tell you this, each and every one of the Strolls is better than the last one. The Town really gets in to this event!

One more thing, check out the newly renamed Mexican Restaurant on Chincoteague. Now known as “That Mexican Place” is very affordable and the food is quite good. “The Mexican Place” is located on Chicken City Rd. just off Maddox Blvd.

Have a fun weekend! Until the next time…

Chincoteague New Additions

There are a number of new additions either completed or near completion on and about Chincoteague Island. Perhaps the two most glaring examples of this positive growth are the new addition to the Chincoteague Library which will not only contribute to the visual landscape at Robert Reed, but will expand the minds of all who pass through it's doors and the New Chincoteague Bridge which will function as the Gateway to the Island.

The Chincoteague Library expansion will include a children's reading room and meeting rooms. The upstairs will include an entire section on Chincoteague's history and more. The number of books will triple, as will the number of computers. The expanded Chincoteague Library will provide a wonderful resource to locals and visitors alike. The expansion project is scheduled to be completed in September 2009

A Big Insider Thumbs-Up to Linda Ryan, Carl Palmer, Nancy Conklin and other members of the Island Library's Board of Directors. Great job Folks!

Thw New Chincoteague Bridge is on schedule for a November completion. Most of us will miss the romance of the old bridge, but none deny the convenience the new bridge will bring.

There's some new stores, the Island Surf Station, Saltwater Trading Company, and the Coastal Convenience Store all owned by Mark Kiesewetter. All the Best Mark!

And finally, Chincoteague has a new member of the Misty clan. Smoke'n Mist was born last week and now resides at the Chincoteague Pony Center with his mom. The Chincoteague Pony Centre boasts the largest herd of Misty's descendants to be found anywhere.

Chincoteague Island has always managed to lovingly embrace the tried and true and traditional and to embrace change at the same time. Old and new. Hometown and Tourist Town. Chincoteague has managed this balancing act for many generations and will continue to so so in to the future.

Lot's of great music on the Island next week, as well as the 2nd Saturday Art Stroll.The Insider will deal with that in the next post.

Be sure to check out the new videos on www.chincoteagueoutlook.com.

Until the next time...