Amateur sand sculpture contest creates more than just castles on Siesta

The 46th annual contest was held May 5 at Siesta Key Beach.

  • By Kayleigh Omang
  • | 2:42 p.m. May 5, 2018
  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
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Building sand castles on the beach isn't just for kids looking for some fun in the sun.

On May 5, kids, teens and adults worked to create the best sculpture at the 46th Annual Amateur Sand Sculpture Contest on Siesta Key Beach.

Artists competed in four categories: 10 Years and Younger, Youth, Adult Individual and Adult Team. Cash prizes were given to the top three places in each category. The contest was hosted by Sarasota County Parks, Recreation & Natural Resources, Friends of Sarasota County Parks and the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce. Designated judges awarded the third through first place prizes and beachgoers were encouraged to vote for one sculpture for the People's Choice Award.

Sculptors started at 8:30 a.m. for registration and started building at 9 a.m. All the sculptures were done by 1 p.m. to allow beachgoers and judges to pick their favorites. Sculptures ranged from festively themed Cinco de Mayo pieces to traditional — yet still elaborate — castles. 

 

 

The contest was held on Siesta Key Beach near the yellow lifeguard stand.
The contest was held on Siesta Key Beach near the yellow lifeguard stand.
A birthday cake sculpture was front and center on the beach.
A birthday cake sculpture was front and center on the beach.
Beachgoers were encouraged to vote on their favorite sculpture for the People's Choice Award.
Beachgoers were encouraged to vote on their favorite sculpture for the People's Choice Award.
"DaGoupsta" won the People's Choice Award.
Elena Slobounov and Darla Glantz
Elena Slobounov and Darla Glantz
"Cash Flow" won first place in the youths category.
Kelsey Blanchard judges the sculptures.
Kelsey Blanchard judges the sculptures.
Chip Perling created his festive sculpture in honor of Cinco de Mayo.
Chip Perling created his festive sculpture in honor of Cinco de Mayo.
Tiffany Kata votes for her favorite sculpture.
Tiffany Kata votes for her favorite sculpture.
Chip Perling and his creation,
Chip Perling and his creation, "Cinco de Mayo" won second place in the adult individuals category.
Some sculptors came prepared with tools.
Some sculptors came prepared with tools.
The
The "Wakanda Sand Castle Is This?" team drew out blueprints of their creation before putting it into action in the sand.
Many beachgoers took photos of the works of art.
Many beachgoers took photos of the works of art.
Grace Whitehouse tallies up the votes for the winners.
Grace Whitehouse tallies up the votes for the winners.
Stig Lindow and Damon Meri pose for a photo next to their sculpture,
Stig Lindow and Damon Meri pose for a photo next to their sculpture, "Da Goupsta."
The artist of
The artist of "Piper's Igloo" holds up her second place prize in the 10 years and younger category.
The
The "Cash Flow" winner comes up to receive her cash prize in the youths category.
Andrea King calls out the winners.
Andrea King calls out the winners.
The winners of the team category made
The winners of the team category made "Mermaid in the Sand."

 

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