Miss Crustacean Comes Out on Wednesday

The 39th annual Miss Crustacean Hermit Crab Beauty Pageant is set for 1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 1, at the Sixth Street Beach in Ocean City.

WHAT TO EXPECT: Dozens of aspiring hermit crabs will seek the Miss Crustacean title and the coveted Cumber Rind Cup following in the footsteps of such glamorous past title-holders as Crabunzel, Crabahontis, Crab McMuffin, Taxi Crab, Copacrabana, Crabopatra, Pirates of the Crabibbean and last year's winner, Crab Kate Middleton. The contest includes pet crabs surrounded by themed backdrops.

WHAT ELSE? The victor gets to waddle down a flower-bedecked runway while adoring throngs sing the pageant's theme song, Here It Comes, Miss Crustacean led by Shelly The Mermaid, a.k.a. Suzanne Muldowney. 

THE PRESS: Miss Crustacean has been a question on Jeopardy and been named one of the nation’s ten most unusual events by U.S. News and World Report.

OTHER EVENTS: The pageant will be followed by the "semi-exciting" Hermit Crab Races with the contestants racing to escape an eight-foot plywood oval. The world’s record of 6.3 seconds was set 37 years ago by Hermie, who has remained as an inspiration to all crab racers that wish to be inspired. A Sand-Sculpting Contest will also be held on the Sixth Street Beach starting 9 a.m. on Aug. 1. Prizes will be awarded for all age-groups.

TO ENTER THE EVENTS: Entry in the contests is free, and there is no pre-registration required. Call 609-525-9300 or email msoifer@hotmail.com for information.

IF IT RAINS: In the event of rain or thunderstorms on Wednesday, the hermit crab events will be held inside the at Sixth Street off Boardwalk. The Sand-Sculpting Contest will be postponed until Thursday 9 a.m.

NOTE: Hermit crabs are not indigenous to this area and should not be left on the beaches to fend for themselves. They cannot survive the winter outdoors here. Owners who do not want to keep their crabs after the event should give them to an event official who will provide a home. Information on how to care for hermit crabs will be available at the contests.