MediaWize

Ocean City’s hermit crab mascot will seek his shadow in a local version of Groundhog Day at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 8, on the beach next to the Music Pier, between Moorlyn Terrace and Ninth Street. Martin Z. Mollusk has successfully predicted an early summer every year for more than four decades (sometimes, of course, with the creative use of flashlights by his handlers).

The Ocean City Humane Society will host its annual benefit skate contest on Saturday, May 15, beginning at 4:30 p.m. at the Skate Park. Ticket and registration details follow.

Registration began online and in-person for Ocean City's recreation programs this week. Many of the programs fill up quickly, so participants are encouraged to take a look at what’s available in advance and be ready to sign up. Registration details follow.

Ocean City has retained a highly recommended labor attorney to conduct a confidential internal investigation of allegations against Ocean City Beach Patrol employees. “Ocean City remains committed to providing all of the resources necessary to complete a thorough investigation and to ensuring a safe workplace for all employees,” Mayor Jay A. Gillian said in a news release Friday. Vanessa E. James of the firm Barker, Gelfand, James and Sarvas will interview members of the OCBP and individuals who posted anonymously to an Instagram page alleging a variety of sexual harassment offenses, according to the release.

Ocean City is moving forward with plans for summer events as the recovery from the pandemic progresses. Mayor Jay Gillian announced Friday that the city is planning to have a fireworks display on Sunday, July 4, the Night in Venice celebration on Saturday, July 24, and the 11th annual Baby Parade on Thursday, Aug. 12.

The National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Watch in effect for Ocean City from noon on Friday, April 30 through 5 a.m. Saturday, May 1. Forecasters predict sustained west winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts of 50 to 60 mph possible as a cold front crosses the region. Winds will gradually increase throughout the day and peak in the evening and early overnight hours of Friday. Scattered tree damage and power outages are likely with these strong winds. Gale-force winds are expected to develop across Delaware Bay and the Atlantic waters.

A brochure of 2021 Summer Recreation Programs in Ocean City is now available at www.ocnj.us/summer-recreation-programs. Registration will open online and in-person at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 1. Many of the programs are popular and fill up quickly, so participants are encouraged to take a look at what’s available in advance and be ready to sign up early on May 1.

Downtown and Boardwalk merchants are throwing a party. “The Best of O.C.” will be on display for this weekend’s Ocean City Block Party Table Sales. The event will not include the outside crafters and vendors that highlight the traditional Spring Block Party, but store owners will display their local merchandise on tables set up outside their storefronts and offer discounts and specials.

The Ocean City Free Public Library is holding a Zoom presentation on novelist Nathaniel Hawthorne Friday, April 30, at 7 p.m. Remembered today for his novels “The Scarlet Letter” and “The House of the Seven Gables,” Hawthorne focused on tales and short stories for the majority of his career. Registration details for the presentation follow.

Mayor Jay Gillian announced Friday that AtlantiCare is partnering with the Ocean City School District to bring a COVID vaccination site to the high school. "Plans are still preliminary. But the idea is to provide a site for students, parents and community members to be vaccinated," he said in his weekly message to the public. The mayor said he will provide more details about the vaccination site as they become available. His entire message follows.