Mild Fall Weather Ahead! Baltimore Bill, The Weather-Predicting Crab, Forecasts a Warm Fall

HUNT VALLEY, Md., Sept. 24, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- In honor of OLD BAY's 75^th Anniversary and "The Can that Connects Us" celebration, Baltimore Bill, The Weather-Predicting Crab, returned to the waters of the Inner Harbor to make his annual fall forecast for the region. The verdict: don't put your flip flops away just yet! We're in for a warm fall! In front of an eager crowd, including Bill's friends from OLD BAY and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Bill veered left through the plank's "Warm Fall" exit and plunged back into the Inner Harbor to enjoy warm waters for a few more weeks. With a spotless record under his claw belt, it's safe to say that Bill knows best, and we're in for an Indian summer.

On hand to announce Bill's every move was Rick Dempsey, beloved former Baltimore Oriole and current member of the O's broadcast team."I think we were all hoping Bill would predict a warm fall to keep our O's on a hot streak during the playoffs," he said.

"My annual weather prediction is growing in popularity and I'm glad I could share the good news that we're in for a mild fall," said Bill, who was interviewed via bay phone from the Inner Harbor. "With a few more weeks of summer-like weather ahead, I hope people will enjoy all the season has to offer."

Ever since Bill was spawned in the lower Chesapeake Bay, he was different from other crabs. When he was hatched, Bill is said to have raised a claw in the water, felt a warm current and headed off to share his special weather-predicting power with the world. Last year, Bill correctly predicted a warm fall and he was right on the money as many October tailgates saw temperatures in the 80s. In 2012, Bill predicted an early winter, and the first snowflakes appeared in Baltimore on November 13, 2012.

OLD BAY is encouraging members of the public to weigh-in on Baltimore Bill's prediction by visiting OLD BAY on Facebook at www.facebook.com/oldbay. Fans can also submit personal pictures to become part of OLD BAY history as the seasoning creates a giant interactive mosaic of its iconic can. To view the mosaic and submit a photo, visit http://www.oldbay75.com/#/mosaic.

Notes to Editors:

• Pictures and video of Baltimore Bill and his prediction event are available. To obtain pictures, please contact Ashley Boarman at 410-504-8324 or [email protected]
• Baltimore Bill – The Weather-Predicting Crab is sponsored by OLD BAY and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources

About OLD BAY
For 75 years, this distinctive blend of 18 herbs and spices has been a time-honored taste. Just as the recipe hasn't changed, neither has the iconic yellow and blue can. Once only enjoyed by a lucky few along the Chesapeake Bay, OLD BAY® Seasoning has gained fans all across the country. Best known as THE seasoning for shrimp, salmon, crab and other seafood dishes, these days, OLD BAY is used to flavor hamburgers, chicken, pizza, pasta, vegetable dishes and more. OLD BAY Seasoning is also available with 30% less sodium and has been the inspiration for 14 additional offerings. For information, recipes and the OLD BAY online store, visit www.oldbay.com and www.facebook.com/oldbay.

OLD BAY is one of McCormick & Company's (MKC) portfolio brands. As the leading global supplier of innovative flavor solutions, McCormick has built a portfolio of leading flavor brands that enhance people's enjoyment of food all around the world. Every day, no matter where or what you eat, you can enjoy food flavored by McCormick. McCormick Brings Passion to Flavor™.

About the Maryland Department of Natural Resources
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages nearly one-half million acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 11 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov. 

Media Contacts:
Ashley Boarman
410-504-8324
[email protected]

Laurie Harrsen
410-527-8753
[email protected]

Video - http://origin-qps.onstreammedia.com/origin/multivu_archive/PRNA/ENR/148254-Old_Bay_Baltimore_Bill.mp4
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140924/148242

SOURCE McCormick & Company, Inc.