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Sand sculptors compete at returning Siesta Key Crystal Classic

The event ran through Nov. 12-15.


  • By Harry Sayer
  • | 8:27 p.m. November 15, 2021
  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
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Visitors to Siesta Key were able to enjoy a sight they'd been missing for some time — massive and creative sculptures made entirely from sand resting on the beach. 

The returning Siesta Key Crystal Classic drew thousands of visitors to see the competition, which had 24 sculptors working on their creations from Thursday to Sunday. The sand sculptures were on display lit up in rainbow colors on Saturday night. 

Veteran sculptors Dan Belcher and Karen Fralich won first place in the doubles category for their fantasy "Skullduggery" piece while Thomas Koet took first in the solo competition for his intricate rose design. 

Emerson Schreiner and Lucinda Weregna work hard on their castle piece.
Emerson Schreiner and Lucinda Weregna work hard on their castle piece.
The event ran through the weekend.
The event ran through the weekend.
Karen Fralich and Dan Belcher won first in doubles for their Skulduggery creation.
Karen Fralich and Dan Belcher won first in doubles for their Skulduggery creation.
Thomas Koet won first in singles for his intricate rose piece.
Thomas Koet won first in singles for his intricate rose piece.
Chris Guinto won second in the solo race for his angel of death.
Chris Guinto won second in the solo race for his angel of death.
Walter McDonald and Christy McDonald Atkinson work together as a team.
Walter McDonald and Christy McDonald Atkinson work together as a team.
Laura Cimador Gowdy carves an expression into the sculpture.
Laura Cimador Gowdy carves an expression into the sculpture.
Charlie Beaulieu sculpts away on his marine life creation.
Charlie Beaulieu sculpts away on his marine life creation.
Lilia Kostov makes her own sculpture
Lilia Kostov makes her own sculpture
Thousands of people attended the event.
Thousands of people attended the event.
Many of the sculptures were lit up on Saturday night.
Many of the sculptures were lit up on Saturday night.
Many of the sculptures were lit up on Saturday night.
Many of the sculptures were lit up on Saturday night.
Many of the sculptures were lit up on Saturday night.
Many of the sculptures were lit up on Saturday night.
Many of the sculptures were lit up on Saturday night.
Many of the sculptures were lit up on Saturday night.
Many of the sculptures were lit up on Saturday night.
Many of the sculptures were lit up on Saturday night.
Many of the sculptures were lit up on Saturday night.
Many of the sculptures were lit up on Saturday night.
Many of the sculptures were lit up on Saturday night.
Many of the sculptures were lit up on Saturday night.
Charlie Beaulieu finished with a marine life creation.
Charlie Beaulieu finished with a marine life creation.
Many of the sculptures were lit up on Saturday night.
Many of the sculptures were lit up on Saturday night.
Many of the sculptures were lit up on Saturday night.
Many of the sculptures were lit up on Saturday night.
Karen Fralich and Dan Belcher won first in doubles for their Skulduggery creation.
Karen Fralich and Dan Belcher won first in doubles for their Skulduggery creation.
Landyn Buller, Kendall Parks and Juliette Shea make their sculptures.
Landyn Buller, Kendall Parks and Juliette Shea make their sculptures.

 

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