HYANNIS – The Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce will dig up its favorite prognosticator, Doug the Quahog, later this month in Sandwich to predict the number of beach days the region will see this summer.
Now in its 10th year, the chamber’s Quahog Day event promotes Cape Cod and its beaches and draws attention to the importance the tourist season has on the regional economy.
During the ceremony, Doug will whisper his prediction to his human sidekick, Captain Johnny Quahog of Quahog Republic.
“It’s just a fun, rollicking afternoon by the ocean and it tweaks the weather people, probably,” said Wendy Northcross the chamber’s CEO.
“But I always want to hear what the quahog predicts for how many days of beach weather lie ahead.”
This year’s event is Thursday, June 21 at 2 p.m. at the Pilot House Restaurant & Lounge at the Sandwich Marina.
Doug will be escorted to and from the Pilot House by his Quahog Security Detail, a team of black-suited men and women equipped with clamming rakes.
“He’s got a better track record than a lot of prognosticators and that’s why he requires quahog security and protection so that he is not quahognapped or something,” Northcross said.
WCVB-TV anchor/reporter, and Cape Cod native, Doug Meehan will emcee the 10th annual event.
Northcross said Cape Cod businesses saw a strong Memorial Day weekend, which is the unofficial start of the tourist season.
“Things really don’t ramp up until school gets out and families start to arrive, but we’ve had a very strong spring even back into early April,” Northcross said.
Northcross expects high numbers of visitors again for the summer season.
“All the economic indicators are there – strong economy, strong employment,” she said. “There are lots of things going on this summer – great events. So all we need now is that great weather and that is the frosting on the cupcake and that’s what Doug the Quahog is going to let us know.”
By BRIAN MERCHANT, CapeCod.com NewsCenter
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