Martin Z. Mollusk sees shadow for 48th year in a row on Martin Z. Mollusk Day

by Countdowntogroundhogday on May 11th, 2021

This past weekend on Martin Z. Mollusk Day (May 8th) Martin Z. Mollusk predicted an early Summer for Ocean City, New Jersey.

Mollusk, a hermit crab, has provided a Summer prognostication for 48 years on a holiday seemingly named after him. Taking his cue from the Groundhog Day predictors who forecast the Winter in early February, if Martin Z. sees his shadow, Summer will arrive one week early. In theory, if Martin Z. doesn’t see his shadow, Summer will arrive on the normal date for the seaside town. Apparently, though, Martin, always sees his shadow, regardless of the weather or circumstances.

Since the tradition started in the mid 1970s, as a way to gain publicity for the OC (no, nobody calls it that), it has grown in size. The local high school band usually plays Pomp and Circumstance while Martin Z. is escorted to the beach. Martin Z. and Mollie (his wife) Mollusk mascots are on hand for pictures. This year there was a Martin Z. Mollusk Coloring Contest.

While Martin Z. Mollusk is arguably not as powerful as Punxsutawney Phil or any of the other weather predicting Groundhog Day animals (he does only forecast the weather for one town instead of the whole country after all), this still seems like a really fun tradition and we look forward to getting to attend it one year in the future, when it’s safe to do so.

Have you ever been to Martin Z. Mollusk day? If so, let us know! We’d love to hear about it.

Tags: Martin Z. Mollusk, Martin Z. Mollusk Day, new jersey, nj, ocean city, ocean city new jersey