The summer is full of quirky festivals that are worth traveling for. One of the best in Virginia Beach is the annual Mid-Atlantic Hermit Crab Challenge. This family-friendly event witnesses the race of 300 hermit crabs. This free event is held on the beach at 30th Street. Crabs race on a specially-designed circular track. At the beginning of the competition, the crabs are placed in the center of the track. At the sound of the horn, crabs scurry towards the outer ring of the track. The winner is the first crab to cross the outer line.
The 2012 Festival
In 2012, the Mid-Atlantic Hermit Crab challenge is being held on
July 21 . This annual competition takes place on the oceanfront at
30th Street from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m . Registration begins in the morning at 9:30. In addition to the main event of the Crustacean 500 race, there are also other events in this competition. Another popular event is
the Miss Curvaceous Crustacean Beauty Pageant . At this pageant, hermit crabs are put on display in unique ways. Judging criteria is beauty and creativity. In past years displays have included ideas like
Beauty and the Crab or
Pirates of the Caribbean . These themes offer you and your kids a chance to get creative together.
Festival Details
The Mid-Atlantic Hermit Crab Challenge might just be one of the most family-friendly summer festivals in the country. Kids will love the chance to let their hermit crab race or dress him or her up in a creative display. Many potential participants might be wondering about awards for the competitions. While the winner for
the Crustacean 500 race is obvious, the beauty pageant has judges. Not only are awards given for overall first, second, and third place winners, but there are also special awards. In past years some special award categories have included
Biggest Crab ,
Most Athletic Crab , and
Most Unique Crab Display .
The Fine Print
Every year approximately
300 hermit crabs participate in the Mid-Atlantic Hermit Crab Challenge. While some are from the Virginia Beach area, others travel with their owners from great distances just to participate in the festival's competitions. There are no fees to participate in the challenge, either for hermit crab owners or for spectators. Kids might also like that all participants receive a medal just for joining in on the fun - whether they win the competitions or not. This fun annual event is sponsored by Verizon Wireless.
Things to Do in Virginia Beach
While the Hermit Crab Challenge might draw you to Virginia Beach in July, there are many other things to do. An entire vacation can be planned around local activities such as fishing, visiting the local aquarium, strolling along the boardwalk, or taking sailing lessons. People that want to stay active will enjoy kayaking along the coastline or hiking wildlife trails while those focused on relaxing might just sunbathe on the beach with a novel.
Rentals for the Mid-Atlantic Hermit Crab Challenge
The best for you - and your hermit crab - to enjoy Virginia Beach is with a
vacation rental. Choose a rental right on the beach and your July getaway will have all the ingredients for the perfect summer vacation. Every member of the family can be on his or her own schedule in a vacation rental, including when to go to sleep and when to wake up. Enjoy that first morning cup of coffee on your own private deck listening to the waves or sip a glass of wine after the kids have gone to bed under the stars. A vacation rental offers a peaceful, convenient vacation that will leave you feeling rested.
Rentals for the Mid-Atlantic Hermit Crab Challenge
This two bedroom condo is perfect for your family's beach vacation. Just an easy walk to the beach, great restaurants, shopping, and all the Resort Area has to offer. 7 NIGHT MINIMUM
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Well it's a wonderful night for a "Moon Dance!" This beautiful home is located on the canal with a private dock. You can also watch the "Moon Dance" on the water as you relax in the swing on the deck in the cool of the evening. Forget all your wor...
Closest to the beach - panoramic ocean views on the second & third floors. 3 decks to relax & enjoy the views. BR1 - Queen, BR2 - Queen, BR3 - Queen, BR4 - sleep sofa. Wireless Internet, 3 flat screen TVs with cable, DVD player, washer,dryer, ,mic...
Cozy vacation home designed to accommodate you in style. Enjoy an expansive open deck on three sides for sunning or relaxing in the shade. Then, soak in the oversized tub in the master bath. Beautiful sunsets and easy beach access will end your “q...
The low-key life of our coastal village is waiting for you at Seaside at Sandbridge. These condominiums are just one block from the Atlantic Ocean. Beautifully decorated with palm trees and wicker, this unit boasts a huge master suite with jacuzzi...
