Sculpting begins ahead of Crystal Classic

Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office staff roped off areas southeast of the Siesta Key public beach pavilion yesterday, as bulldozers moved piles of sand into place for the Siesta Key Crystal Classic Master Sand Sculpting Competition.

Sculptors started engraving brands into the sponsor sand sculpture this week to create more exposure for contributors than the two days it was on display before the 2011 event, said Crystal Classic committee member Lourdes Ramirez.

The five-day event kicks off when master sand sculptors begin competing Thursday at 9 a.m. and ends with a full day Monday to view sculptures, and an unofficial “demolition day” when machines take down the sandy artwork the following day.

For a preview of the Crystal Classic and the sand sculpting duo to look out for, pick up a copy of the Nov. 8 issue of the Pelican Press.