2 Popular Spring Events Return To Ocean City This Weekend: See Details

OCEAN CITY, NJ — Enjoying the warm weather? See if Ocean City's hermit crab mascot agrees and predicts an early summer for the 52nd time on Martin Z. Mollusk Day this Friday, kicking off some of the island's favorite events.

Martin Z. Mollusk has successfully predicted an early summer every year for five decades - even though sometimes it involves creative usage of flashlights for him to see his shadow.

The fun starts at 11 a.m. on the Ninth Street beach. Special guest host will be meteorologist “Nor’easter” Nick Pittman, who will be instructed by Martin Z. Mollusk on the proper methods of weather forecasting and on the absence of inclement weather in Ocean City. The Cape Shore Chorus Sweet Adelines and the String Band Novelties will provide musical accompaniment to the festivities.

The Martin Z. Mollusk Day tradition in Ocean City dates back to 1974, when 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 52nd time that Martin has delivered good news.

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 the Avenue between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Just a few of the perennial favorites the Robert Boney Band (7th Street), Big Daddy (9th Street), Pennsport String Band (13th Street) and Keith Hickman (14th 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 Asbury Avenue restaurants will offer food of every variety.

Street parking will be free at all metered spots and downtown parking lots in Ocean City, 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 table sales by downtown and boardwalk merchants with discounted merchandise set up between Sixth Street and 14th Street on the boardwalk and Asbury Avenue on both Saturday and Sunday.

Keep the fun going as Small Business Week starts Sunday, May 4 and runs through Saturday, May 10. Local shops will offer discounts, specials and promotions.