Martin Z. Mollusk Sees His Shadow In Ocean City

OCEAN CITY, N.J. — Martin Z. Mollusk forecasted an early summer yet again. The local crustacean saw his shadow Saturday for the 45th consecutive year.

Martin Z. Mollusk Day is Ocean City's version of Groundhog Day. The hermit crab mascot arrives to predict the arrival of Ocean City's favorite season.

Martin's handlers, being no fan of winter, sometimes help him by providing a little artificial light so he makes the right call. But Martin needed no help this year, casting a shadow as the sun poked through a light cloud.

"Dancing with the Stars" professionals Emma Slater and Tristan MacManus joined Martin before participating in "Ballroom with a Twist" on Saturday night in Ocean City. Slater and MacManus helped judge the first dance-off between Martin and Mollie Mollusk.

The ceremony included announcement of the winners of the Martin Z. Mollusk Coloring Contest, which included 190 entires. Winners were:

• Grace Kane, 7, Ocean City
• Addison Bechtold, 6, Ocean City
• Caden Rowe, 10, Ocean City
• Katie Mary Branin, 9, Ocean City

The winners received a gift bag from Ocean City merchants and two tickets to the Aug. 6 production of "Newsies."

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