News

By KELLY McCARTHY

Ever think you could fall in love with a mollusk? Think again. On Friday, Ocean City’s lovable hermit-crab mascot, Martin Z. Mollusk, once again, charmed an adoring crowd, at Martin Z. Mollusk Day in “America’s Greatest Family Resort.”

Sunny skies served as the perfect backdrop to this year’s event, which took place on Ocean City’s Ninth Street beach beginning at 11 a.m.

Now in its 50th year, Martin Z. Mollusk Day originally took place in the month of March, before being moved to May to take advantage of more favorable weather conditions, because “Martin wanted a picture-perfect day,” explained Justin Juliano, manager of public relations and information for Ocean City.

Tradition goes if Martin Z. Mollusk sees his shadow in Ocean City’s version of Groundhog Day, it means good news for locals and vacationers alike.

“If Martin sees his shadow, we get summer a week early,” said Juliano.

Ever think you could fall in love with a mollusk? Think again. On Friday, Ocean City’s lovable hermit-crab mascot, Martin Z. Mollusk, once again, charmed an adoring crowd, at Martin Z. Mollusk Day in “America’s Greatest Family Resort.”

Sunny skies served as the perfect backdrop to this year’s event, which took place on Ocean City’s Ninth Street beach beginning at 11 a.m.

Now in its 50th year, Martin Z. Mollusk Day originally took place in the month of March, before being moved to May to take advantage of more favorable weather conditions, because “Martin wanted a picture-perfect day,” explained Justin Juliano, manager of public relations and information for Ocean City.

Tradition goes if Martin Z. Mollusk sees his shadow in Ocean City’s version of Groundhog Day, it means good news for locals and vacationers alike.

“If Martin sees his shadow, we get summer a week early,” said Juliano.

An EMT checks Martin’s vital signs to make sure he can take all the excitement of the zany ceremony.

Prior to his prediction, Martin was given a health check.

“He’s very active,” announced one of Ocean City Fire Department’s EMTs, who assessed Martin’s vitals, checking the hermit-crab mascot’s heart rate, blood pressure and shell density, before Juliano announced the beloved Martin Z. Mollusk, “Fit for duty.”

To the delight of all attending, Martin saw his shadow.

“With the weather we had today, we think we’re in for a nice treat for what summer is going to bring,” Juliano said.

While the star of the day remained Martin Z., there were plenty of festivities and personalities to add to the joyous occasion.

In addition to performances by String Band Novelties and The Cape Shore Chorus Sweet Adelines, “Nor’easter Nick” Pittman, a self-proclaimed self-taught meteorologist, with a presence in social media, helped make the day informative and fun. Mascots Martin Z. and his wife, Mollie, even assisted “Nor’easter Nick” in forecasting the day’s weather.

Also on hand was reigning Miss Ocean City Grace Oves.

“It was so exciting. I’ve never been to this event before. It was really fun. I’m excited that summer’s coming early,” Oves, 18, of Ocean City, said with a smile.

Little Miss Ocean City Lyla Clark, left, and Miss Ocean City Grace Oves are flanked by Mollie and Martin Z. Mollusk.

Little Miss Ocean City Lyla Clark, 12, of Ocean City, said, “I loved it so much. I love Martin and Mollie. They are just so sweet. And to be able to see the hermit crab see its shadow was so much fun.”

The perfect jump-start to the summer season, Martin Z. Mollusk Day brought out people of all ages.

For Debby Schafer, who came to the event with her husband, Gary, one highlight was watching the adorable children from Ocean City’s recreation program, Little Rec’ers, who sat up close to see if Martin Z. would see his shadow.

Debby said she appreciated the pure family-fun aspect of the celebration.

And once the loved mollusk predicted summer’s early arrival, the sun could not help but shine brighter, making Debby wish she’d had worn lighter attire instead of her choice of a sweatshirt.

Little Rec’ers sit up close to see if the hermit crab will spot his shadow. (Photo courtesy of Ocean City)

Kelly Reilly and Sean Sullivan, from West Chester County in New York, have been coming to Ocean City for the past nine years.

“My mom and my aunt have been coming here to Ocean City since they were kids,” said Kelly.

This was the first year Kelly and Sean attended Martin Z. Mollusk Day.

“It’s fun,” Sean said, adding that he appreciated getting out of New York for the day, and enjoying the weather.

Both he and Kelly also appreciated seeing the little kids at the event having such a great time.

As the morning ended, Martin Z. Mollusk and Mollie basked together in the sunny event, with great anticipation of a rapidly approaching summer season.

Debby Schafer flashes a smile as she meets Martin Z. Mollusk.