Quahog Day Reveals 12 Weeks of Summer Left

Cape Cod is one of the most beautiful and relaxing locations on the East Coast, but it is not without its quirks. Unlike many quirks, which can be annoying, those of this area are endearing and fun. Anyone considering Cape Cod vacation rentals will enjoy the colorful people and interesting traditions andoOne of the newer traditions of Cape Cod is Quahog Day, which is New England’s version of Groundhog Day.

What In The World Is A Quahog?

On June 20, Cape Cod celebrated its fourth annual Quahog Day. This local holiday was patterned after Groundhog Day and Pennsylvania’s Punxsutawney Phil, the groundhog that provides the nation with an annual spring forecast. The central figure of Cape Cod’s Quahog Day is a quahog known simply as Doug, and it is Doug’s duty to forecast the coming summer.

For those who are unfamiliar with quahogs, they are a species of hard-shelled clam –  native to the Atlantic Coast of North America. Although these clams have been used in the culinary arts since time immemorial, it is only recently that the residents of Cape Cod discovered their precognitive powers of weather forecasting.

Doug’s 2012 Forecast

During the 2012 Quahog Day ceremony, which was held on the first day of summer, Doug predicted 12 weeks of sunshine and warm weather for Cape Cod. Doug’s arrival to the ceremony was full of pomp. The area’s most famous quahog was delivered to the ceremony in the back of a pedicab led by a police escort. Upon arrival, he was immediately carried to his ceremonial perch surrounded by an entourage of security agents wearing dark suits and sunglasses.

When Doug reached the perch, waiting to greet him was the event’s emcee, NECN meteorologist Nelly Carreno. Although dozens of spectators looked on as the prediction was made, Doug has a shy streak and can only whisper it into the ear of his compatriot Johnny Quahog, who is the Secretary General of the Quahog Republic and the only human to understand the quahog language.

Quahog Day Festivities

After the prediction, Doug was led away on the pedicab while Carreno interviewed Johnny and other locals gathered for the celebration. Many of the attendees then decided to spend the rest of the day enjoying the weather and engaging in beach activities.

Cape Cod vacation rentals are located near one of New England’s best beaches. The people are fun, and they definitely sport a great sense of humor. If you missed this year’s Quahog Day festivities, be sure to attend next year to get an early scoop on the summer ahead.

Stephen Craig has contributed to many blogs and is always looking for guest blogging opportunities. Follow him @SCraigSEO.