Mid-Atlantic Hermit Crab Challenge

The Crab is King at this one-of-a-kind event that’s fun for the whole family! 

The Mid-Atlantic Hermit Crab Challenge was named to TripAdvisor.com's 2010 list of the Wackiest Summer Events in America and to the New York Daily News 2012 list of the top 10 Wackiest Festivals in the WOLRD.

Along with the Crustacean 500 race, participants may enter the Miss Curvaceous Crustacean Beauty Pageant.  At the pageant, hermit crabs are presented in uniquely-decorated displays and judged on beauty and creativity.  Hermit crab owners are encouraged to build a unique display for their crab.  Past winners have included themed entries like “Spider Crab,” “Hermit the Hulk,” “Beauty and the Crab,” and “Pirates of the Crabibbean!”  Aside from 1st, 2nd, And 3rd Place winners, special trophies are also awarded for the Friendliest Crab, Biggest Crab, Shyest Crab, Most Unique Crab Display, Prettiest Crab Shell, Most Athletic Crab, and Most Traveled Crab.

Approximately 300 hermit crabs participate in the Mid-Atlantic Hermit Crab Challenge each year.  Many of these come from out of state just to be with us! 

ALL participants receive a medal for being a part of this unique event. 

There are no fees for entering the Mid-Atlantic Hermit Crab Challenge; the event is free for both participants and spectators.

Registration begins at 9:30am and all participants must be registered by Noon in order to race.