In an amazing feat of meteorological chance and “blind” faith, Martin Z. Mollusk has seen his shadow and predicted an early summer for Ocean City 38 times in 39 years.
Once, reportedly, he saw only a partial shadow, and summer arrived 3½ days ahead of time.
But Ocean City’s hermit-crab mascot has his work cut out for him in the annual Martin Z. Mollusk ceremony at 11 a.m. Thursday (May 1) — when a slow-moving storm system will be just starting to move away from Ocean City.
In the event of rain, the event will be held inside the Ocean City Music Pier at Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace, starting 11 a.m. (Otherwise, at its usual location on the beach adjacent to the Music Pier.)
Ocean City’s version of Groundhog Day takes place on May 1 each year and marks the approach to summer.
The Ocean City High School Band will play “Pomp and Circumstance” to herald his arrival. A bevy of “celebrities” will join the goofy annual procession. They include former City Commissioner Marilyn Moore, who with Mayor Tom Waldman and Commissioner Luther Wallace sanctioned the first event. Suzanne Muldowney, as Shelley the Mermaid, will sing “Some Enchanted Morning” before Martin enters the Circle of Truth. Mr. Mature America 2014 Frank Faralli and former TV news anchorman Dick Sheeran, who covered Martin’s early exploits, also will attend, and small replicas of Martin will be given away to mark the occasion.
Below is Martin’s 40th Anniversary song to be sung to conclude the “clawsome” ceremony.
Martin Mollusk 40th Anniversary Tribute Song
(To be sung to the tune of “Edelweiss” after Martin sees his shadow)
Martin Mollusk…
Martin Mollusk…
You are clawsome and clever-
Martin Mollusk
Martin Mollusk
Please keep predicting
Forever…
When you see
Your shadow today
Summer will come a week faster!
And we’ll shout
Hip! Hip! Hooray!
Martin you are the Master!
Martin Mollusk…
Martin Mollusk…
You are clawsome and clever-
Martin Mollusk
Martin Mollusk,
Please keep predicting forever…
