Sculpting begins at 12 noon and ends at 5pm.

(Registration starts at 10:00am and ends at 11:59am.)

A free sand sculpting class will be available for coaches and students at 10:30am.

Parents:  Get one free student admission with a paid adult ticket. 

CLICK HERE to download a coupon!

Teaching kids art appreciation lessons doesn't have to be confined to a classroom or art museum. Not only can youth see how sand sculptures are made at the Art of Sand Festival, student teams are participating and building their own works of art on Saturday, October 22nd.

• Judging begins at about 5:00pm and winners will at announced by 5:30pm.

• 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place awards will be presented in each of the categories, elementary and secondary, as well as one prize for "People’s Choice."

• Sculptures will stay in place until Sunday, October 23rd.

• Teams may include students of any grade and classes within the category.

• A minimum of 5 and a maximum of 10 students per team are required, as well the participation of at least one lead teacher/coach; up to three teachers may accompany each team.

• The teacher(s) will not participate in the sand sculpting; they will coach the team, help with compacting sand and passing tools but will not touch the sand after it is compacted; that will disqualify the team.

General Guidelines

BCA recommends purchasing the book “Sandcastles Made Simple: Step-by-Step Instructions, Tips, and Tricks for Building Sensational Sand Creations”, by Lucinda Wierenga to be used as a resource. Also you can obtain the Can You Dig It, Sand Sculpting Kit (includes DVD) and tools for sale at www.canyoudigit.com. Another good place to get free tips, tricks, and information about tools is www.sandcastlecentral.com

Teachers are encouraged to schedule and guide practice sessions with their teams prior to the competition.

Registration starts at 10:00am and ends at 11:59am. No sculpting will begin before 12:00 noon and will conclude at 5:00pm. A free sand sculpting workshop will be available for coaches and students at 10:30am.

We encourage the teams to use some form of visual identification (team shirts, etc.), as well the use of hats and sunscreen. We recommend bringing coolers with drinks and snacks.

Participants will bring their own tools and equipment the day of the contest. All that will be provided at the event is water and sand. For a team of ten we suggest:

• 4-5 sturdy shovels
• 5 five gallon buckets
• 5 smaller buckets, like 1 or 2 gallon
• Some cups for pouring water1 bucket form, this is a 5 gallon bucket with the bottom cut out
• 3 spray bottles
• 10 plastic putty knives, assorted sizes
• Spoons of assorted sizes, spatulas, melon ballers, ice cream scoops and skewers
• 5 brushes, assorted sizes, for a smooth finish
• 10 plastic knives
• 10 plastic palette knives
• Straws, for blowing away loose sand

Free event entry will be provided to each team member, teachers/coaches and one adult chaperone per child.

Chaperones will not participate in the sculpting process other than encouraging the team. Only officials and contestants will be allowed within roped sculpting area.

Choice of subject matter to be sculpted is up to contestants. This is a family-oriented event; sculptures must be suitable for viewing by all ages.

Work must be confined to the team’s assigned plot. All of the school competition plots are 12x12 feet (5 tons of sand).

No sand may be added or removed from the plot.

Water may be added to help compact and set sand.

No artificial coloring, paint, flour, sugar, starch, adhesives or cement may be added. Accessorizing sculptures with things found at the beach or brought from home is not allowed.