Martin Z. Mollusk Day This Friday

OCEAN CITY, NJ — Ready for summer? Martin Z. Mollusk will be at the 9th Street Beach Friday at 11 a.m. to let everyone know if summer is coming early.

This local version of Groundhog Day features Ocean City's hermit crab mascot seeking his shadow to find out if summer is coming early. And for more than four decades (and occasionally, creative use of flashlights) Martin has always predicted an early summer.

This year will have special guest meteorologist "Nor'Easter" Nick Pittman. Martin will instruct Nor'Easter Nick on the proper methods of weather forecasting and the absence of inclement weather in Ocean City.

This tradition dates back to 1974, when legendary Ocean City Public Relations Director Mark Soifer created the early-season promotion.

All are invited to welcome the long-awaited start to summer.

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