Ocean City Happenings: Spring Block Party highlights the weekend

One of Ocean City’s premier events – the Spring Block Party – will return to downtown Asbury Avenue from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 2.

But before that, beach lovers will check on the summer forecast. Martin Z. Mollusk, Ocean City’s hermit-crab mascot, will seek his shadow in a local version of Groundhog Day at 11 a.m. Friday, May 1, on the beach at Ninth Street.

Martin has successfully predicted an early summer every year for five decades (sometimes, of course, with the creative use of flashlights by his handlers). Everyone is invited to join the fun as Ocean City collectively jump-starts the long-awaited arrival of summer.

The special guest host will be meteorologist “Nor’easter” Nick Pittman. The String Band Novelties will provide musical accompaniment to the festivities.

The Martin Z. Mollusk Day tradition in Ocean City dates back to 1974. Legendary Ocean City Public Relations Director Mark Soifer created the early-season promotion by declaring that if Martin sees his shadow, summer will come a week early to Ocean City. Friday’s event will mark the 53rd time that Martin has delivered good news.

    The celebration begins after the hermit crab predicts summer's early arrival at the shore.
  

Also on Saturday, more than 350 crafters, food vendors and entertainers will line a mile of downtown Asbury Avenue between Fifth Street and 14th Street for the annual Spring Block Party. The event helps draw tens of thousands of people to Ocean City for a pre-summer weekend of fun.

Entertainers and bands will perform at various spots along Asbury Avenue between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Just a few of the favorites include the Robert Boney Band (7th Street), Pennsport String Band (13th Street) and Big Daddy (14th Street).

New this year, the Ocean City Pops and Ocean City Theatre Company will take turns entertaining at 9th Street. Pony rides for children will be available on the grounds of the Ocean City Tabernacle (at Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue) from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Vendors, including restaurants along Asbury Avenue, will offer food of every variety.

Street parking will be free at all metered spots and downtown parking lots, including at the Transportation Center lot (Ninth Street and Haven Avenue) and at the municipal lots on the 700 and 800 blocks of Central Avenue. For more information on parking, visit ocnj.us/parking.

The weekend celebration also includes “Discount Days” with downtown and Boardwalk merchants offering discounted merchandise in-store and at table sales set up between Sixth Street and 14th Street on the Boardwalk and Asbury Avenue on both Saturday and Sunday.

    Shoppers check out some of the items for sale at a vendor's tent.