Mollusk sees his shadow, summer to come early

Last Updated on Thursday, May 03, 2012 06:02 pm Written by Claire Lowe Thursday, May 03, 2012 03:04 pm

Martin Mollusk Day Ocean City OCEAN CITY — Friends in tow, hermit crab Martin Z. Mollusk again predicted the early arrival of summer in Ocean City Thursday morning on the beach beside the Music Pier.

Despite the clouds, Martin crawled out onto the sand, and with the help of a flashlight –approved for use by The National Association of Crab Activities at the Beach – saw his shadow for the 37th time, meaning summer will start one week early.

City publicist Mark Soifer headed up the ceremony, along with friends “Inspector Clou-slow” and the Air Circus Pirate, leading Martin down from the Music Pier to the beach, where the world’s only Wind Chime Band performed two songs. Before the prognostication could begin, Soifer provided Martin with a physical examination and tree bark and tepid swamp water massage; and Suzanne Muldowney as Shelley the Mermaid sang Martin’s introduction song, “Some Enchanted Morning.”

“It’s a good media event and it’s a lot of fun,” Soifer said of Martin Z. Mollusk Day, May 3.

The idea for Martin Z. Mollusk Day came from a play on Punxsutawney Phil’s Groundhog’s Day prediction for spring.

“Why wouldn’t we have a hermit crab?” Soifer said.

According to Soifer, Martin has only not seen his shadow once, when he saw a partial shadow and summer was to start a half of a week early.

“Of course, the flashlight always helps,” he quipped.

Martin Z. Mollusk

Martin Z. Mollusk

Martin Z. Mollusk

Martin Z. Mollusk

Martin Z. Mollusk

Martin Z. Mollusk

Martin Z. Mollusk

Martin Z. Mollusk

Martin Z. Mollusk

Martin Z. Mollusk