For the 50th consecutive year, Martin Z. Mollusk saw his shadow on the day that bears his name – assuring that once again summer will come a week early to Ocean City, N.J.
Martin Z. Mollusk Day is Ocean City’s version of Groundhog Day in which the city’s hermit-crab mascot is called upon to predict the arrival of the city’s favorite season. Being no fans of winter, Martin’s handlers sometimes provide a little artificial light to help Martin make the right call. But on Friday morning, the sun shone brightly to preserve Martin’s perfect record.
The ceremony was emceed by local meteorologist “Nor’easter” Nick Pittman. The Cape Shore Chorus Sweet Adelines and String Band Novelties provided musical accompaniment to the festivities. Ocean City Fire Department EMTs checked Martin’s vitals to make sure he was fit for duty, and children from Ocean City’s Little Rec’ers recreation program had front-row seats to witness Martin’s historic prediction.
Photos by Donald B Kravitz
