Siesta Key preps for 40th sand-sculpting competition

Sand-sculptors of all ages will create their masterpieces on the nation’s No. 1 beach at the 40th annual Sand Sculpture Contest this weekend.

The Sarasota County Parks & Recreation and the Pelican Press will be co-sponsoring the event, which begins with registration at 8:30 a.m. May 5, on Siesta Key Public Beach.

The competition will feature categories for both children and adult sculptors. Sculpting will take place until 1 p.m.; awards will be presented at 2 p.m.

The categories for the sculptures include Adult Humorous; Adult Miscellaneous; Youth ages 11 to 17; and Children ages 10 and under.

In addition to first-, second- and third-place winners, judges also will choose a Judges’ Choice winner, and attendees also will cast votes for the best adult and youth sculptures. Prize sponsors are: Siesta Key Village Association, Village Cafe, Beach Bazaar, Sun Garden Cafe, Davidson Drugs, The Broken Egg Restaurant, The Surfin' Plumbers, Sarasota Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce.

This year’s judges include Kevin Cooper, executive director of the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce; Jason Puckett, director of sports at Sarasota County Sports Commission; and Leslie Gnaegy, marketing coordinator for The Observer Group and the Gulf Coast Business Review.

Gnaegy said she is excited to participate in this year’s competition.

“It’s always fun when the community not only attends but gets to participate in an event,” she said. “(Because) anyone can enter, I’m sure we’ll discover some budding master sculptors in the making. I’m most excited to see what the kids can come up with.”

This will be the fourth year as event coordinator for Jonathan Poyner. He has enjoyed the event because of the fun and family-bonding aspect that goes into the day.

“I look forwards to seeing the kids’ smiles and making their parents proud,” Poyner said.

He also noted that those who win the cash prizes are then eligible to enter professional sand-sculpting contests because they were paid for their work.

“Brian Wigelsworth is a professional now, but he won years ago,” he said. “People can get their start out here.”

For more information call 861-5000 or email Jonathan Poyner at [email protected].

IF YOU TO
40th Annual Sand Sculpture Contest
WHEN: 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 5
WHERE: Siesta Key Public Beach
INFORMATION: 861-5000 or email Jonathan Poyner at [email protected]