Chincoteague Beach open for last splash of summer

Assateague Island, Md. — Chincoteague Beach is back open in time for Labor Day, meaning visitors can expect sun, sand and ponies.

Assateague Island National Seashore Superintendent Hugh Hawthorne explained why the beach had been closed.

“They’ve been closed since the parking lot was essentially destroyed last Thursday by a storm surge from Hurricane Erin,” he said.

Hawthorne said crews had to move tons of sand after the storm.

“That’s a 980-slot parking lot, and parts of it were buried under five feet of sand. It was so deep that some of the fences that surround the parking lot were completely under the sand,” he said.

The cleanup team moved quickly, Hawthorne said, with one main objective.

“The goal was to get as many parking spots open as we could by the Labor Day weekend, and then we’ll deal with long-term repairs to the parking lot after we get through the holiday weekend,” he said.

Beachgoers from out of state shared why they came to the shore.

Kayla, a bride from New Jersey celebrating her bachelorette party, said her sister planned the trip.

“I’m getting married, and my sister planned this amazing trip to come here because it’s beautiful. Why would you not want to come here?” she said.

A father on vacation with his family, Jacob Suchecki, said they were excited to enjoy both the horses and the beach.

“We’re hoping to see some horses and at least go and enjoy the beach because it’s back open finally. And it looks great. The weather today is awesome,” he said.

It was his daughter Sophia’s first time at the ocean.

She nodded her head in excitement about the water and the fish.

Kathy Buckley, a New Jersey resident who has visited for 20 years, said she enjoys the holiday tradition.

“The energy is really great with everybody being here for the holiday. It’s a nice way to end the summer season,” she said.