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Demand Is High For Crabs This July 4

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- If you're planning on having some steamed crabs for the Fourth of July holiday weekend, you'll have plenty of company: demand is very high.  Ron Matz reports crab houses and restaurants hope to meet the demand for this Maryland tradition.

There's nothing better than steamed crabs, especially on the Fourth of July.  At Fruitland in Essex, they have plenty for the holiday.  Owner Tony Walters knows crabs; he's been doing this for 47 years.

"It's a big weekend coming up.  It looks like we're going to be all right.  I think we're going to have a decent supply of crabs.  Everybody is starting to catch a few and that helps out," Walters said.

They're crazy about crabs here in Essex.

"They've got the best seafood here.  This place has it going on.  I eat steamed crabs all the time, they're excellent," said Trish Griffith.

Walters says if you want jumbos, order in advance and expect to pay more on the holiday.

"You're going to have to pay this weekend.  The crab house is going to have to charge more money because most people will give the crabbers more money on the holiday just to get to the crabs.  It's only right," Walters said.  "Jumbos, you better order them early, make sure you're covered.  They're the first ones to go; everybody wants that holiday crab."

Some area restaurants and carryouts say along with Maryland crabs, you'll find some from the Carolinas and the Gulf of Mexico this weekend.

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