Summer 2016 | Sea Island Life Magazine Spring/Summer 2016 | Page 56

Competitive Castling

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
The U.S. is home to dozens of sand-sculpting competitions and exhibitions—
beachfront and inland—each year. Discover a few of summer’s best sand-sculpting
events that are sure to delight both competitors and spectators.
AIA SANDCASTLE COMPETITION
June 4; Galveston, Texas
More than 60 teams vie for the Golden Bucket Award at this fundraiser for
the American Institute of Architects Houston, the Architecture Center Houston
Foundation and the city of Galveston. In honor of the 30th anniversary, new
categories have been added, including best incorporation of the number 30, tallest
standing structure and most sustainable team.
HAMPTON BEACH MASTER SAND SCULPTING COMPETITION
June 16-18; Hampton Beach, N.H.
Master sculptors compete with the hopes of winning more than $15,000 in prize
money. Once finished, the creations are treated with a windproof adhesive so
audiences can appreciate them for a few weeks after the big event.
BLUE WATER SANDFEST
July 8-10; Port Huron, Mich.
Proceeds from this ticketed festival support the restoration of the area’s historic
buildings. The nominal fee grants access to demonstrations, master and advancedamateur state championship competitions, hands-on lessons, an amateur contest
and a Quick Sand Speed Sculpting Show.
SANDSATIONS
July 23; Long Beach, Wash.
Sandsations has been a favorite sculpting event for more than 30 years, where
competitors building stunningly imaginative sculptures. Cash is awarded to the
top master and intermediate competitors, while winners in the Family and Novice
categories receive commemorative art pieces.
SUN & SEA FESTIVAL
July 16; Imperial Beach, Calif.
Sand-sculpting geniuses vie for honors just north of the pier. Meanwhile families can
enjoy the parade, farmers market or Kids ’n Kastles event where five-member teams
compete for Best Sculpture and Best Sea Creature awards.

56 SEA ISL AND LIFE | SPRING/SUMMER 2016

Sandsations
welcomes
sculptors
of all skill
levels.

COURTESY OF THE SAND SCULPTURE CO./SANDSCULPTING.COM

Like many other pro sculptors, Siebert learned
the nuts and bolts of sand sculpting by getting
his hands dirty—or sandy, rather—participating in the many sand castle competitions
around the country. Most of these have different entry categories to accommodate sand
castle architects of all skill levels. One particularly welcoming competition, Sandsations,
takes place