Martin Z. Mollusk Returns To Ocean City

OCEAN CITY, N.J. — It's that time of year for a local legend's return. Martin Z. Mollusk Day festivities begin at 11 a.m. Saturday on the beach at Ninth Street.

Martin has successfully predicted an early summer every year for more than four decades — sometimes with the help of flashlights. If Martin sees his shadow in the sand, and early summer awaits.

The program will also introduce Mollie Mollusk, Martin's Wife for more than 45 years. The Mollusks make up the first family of "America's Greatest Family Resort."

"Dancing with the Stars professionals Emma Slater and Tristan MacManus will join the festivities. They will later appear at 7:30 p.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier for "Ballroom With a Twist."

The winners of the 2019 Martin Z. Mollusk Coloring Contest will be honored, with their artwork unveiled to the public.

Martin is over 100 years old in hermit crab years, according to longtime Ocean City publicist Mark Soifer. Martin credits his long life to the exotic diet Soifer created for him: shredded pizza crust, tepid swamp water and marinated tree bark.

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