The Miss Crustacean Hermit Crab Beauty Pageant and Hermit Crab Races are set for 1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6 at the Sixth Street Beach in Ocean City.
Crab beauties and crabathlete racers may register starting at noon. Entry is free, and prizes are awarded. In the event of rain, events will be held inside the Sports and Civic Center at Sixth Street and Boardwalk.
Past Miss Crustaceans include Crabapatra, Copa Crabana, Taxi Crab, Crabunzel, Pirates of the Crababbien, Craberet, etc. Entries are judged on the originality of the displays featuring the crustacean.
No painting on crab’s shell is permitted. The winner creeps down a flower bedecked runway while an enthralled crowd cheers and sings, “Here It Comes, Miss Crustacean.” The winner is also presented the “Coveted Cucumber Rind Cup,” a large loving cup with a cucumber stuck inside. A cucumber represents a year’s supply of food for a hermit crab.
The Miss Crustacean Pageant is followed by the exciting King of Klutz Hermit Crab Races held at the same location on the Sixth Street Beach. Crabathletes race over a 6 ft. plywood oval with the winner receiving the King of Klutz Plaque. Entry is free. Register day of event at noon.
A Sand Sculpting Contest will be held before the hermit-crab events. The low-key competition open to individuals and families will start at 9 a.m. on the 6th St. Beach. Entry is free. Categories include 5 years and under, 6-8, 9-12, Teens, Single Adults and Families. Bring buckets, shovels and your imaginations.
