By LUCINDA WEIRENGA
Here it comes – that wonderful time of year when ten of the most talented artists in the field descend upon South Padre Island to create masterpieces from that stuff we all love to hate finding in our shoes, our shorts
and our sheets — SAND!
Last year’s theme was “Pirates!” and the centerpiece ship sculpture was a hit with the crowds. This year our sculptors will tackle another kind of threat to beach tranquility with a piece we are calling “Aliens on the
Beach!” Exactly what does that entail? Well, I guess you will have to come out to SPI Oct. 3-6 to find out!
The Contest – Who to keep an eye on
We have two returning champs from last year – Karlis Ile (Latvia) took second place with “Grandma” and Marie-Line Gagne (Quebec) took third place with “The Lovers.” Three newcomers (to SPI) all bear
watching – Francisco Calvilla (Mexico), Bogdan Ku and Jihoon Choi (S. Korea) have won accolades for their sculpting skills all over the world. We are so lucky to have them here on our little sandspit!
The Photo Op
Last year was the first time we tried making special sculptures designed specifically for photo opportunities, and they were a great success. We’ll be doing something similar, but different this year, and a large
percentage of you are going to want to participate. The sculptures will be carved by Joon Park – aka “JP Sandman” a famous youtuber with 500,000 followers and counting! His participation is sponsored by Sandcastle Island, Inc.
Support
Did you know that most sand sculpture contests that attract this caliber of talent charge an entry fee? Texas Sandfest in Port Aransas charges adults $30 for a three-day pass to their event. Granted, it is a larger
competition, with multiple categories and lots of venders spread out over a much greater area than SPI’s event. Even so, residents and guests alike may not be aware of how cool it is that they get to see the whole show for free at Sandcastle Days.
However, there are ways you can help support the event and show your appreciation for the talent on display. For example, you can vote for the “People’s Choice Award” with your spare change. Forget your wallet?
This year you will be able to tip the artists directly by scanning QR codes on their info signs. You can buy something from one of our vendors or pick up a cool beverage and a bite from Clayton’s kitchen. Come by for
free sandcastle lessons at Sand Camp. There will be the venders, kiddy rides and lots of great live music you’ve come to expect from this family-friendly event.
Updates from the Sand Sculpture Trail and the Holiday Sandcastle Village
Have you been to The Village lately? If not, you better hurry up and catch the last days of “Dog Days of Summer” sculpture and fundraiser for local animal rescue organizations — it will be on display until the
week of Oct. 7, when some of our visiting out-of-town sculptors will re-carve a large chunk of our sculptures into something with a holiday theme. Come by and see them at work!
On the trail, you will find new sculptures at Kelly’s Irish Pub and the SPI Birding and Nature Center, as well as a “refreshed” sculpture at the SandBox Inn.
Big thanks to all of you who have put a dollar (or more) in our donation boxes – those dollars add up, and allow us to maintain and improve the village and the trail.