South Padre Island will harness some of that sandy magic as it
gears up for the biggest and best Sand Castle Days in the
event’s 22-year history - scheduled for Oct. 15-18, 2009 in Isla
Blanca Park. Sandcastle Days is a not-for-profit annual event
that showcases the unique art form of sand sculpture with the
help of amateurs and professionals whose talents make the sand
come to life. Committed to the preservation and restoration of
our coastal shores, Sand Castle Days supports the integrity of
our coastal environment.
The big news for 2009 is that SPI will host a record-breaking 24
master sculptors in the solo and new duo masters’ categories.
Over $13,000 in prizes will attract the world’s best sand
carvers from near (South Padre Island) and far (Holland) and all
points in between (Canada, etc.) In addition to the three-day
Masters competition, there will be adult, family, corporate and
youth sandcastle contests on Saturday, including the prestigious
Texas State Championship. All prizes are thanks to the generous
support of our sponsors including the Town of South Padre Island
as one of the town’s signature events.
Unlitter Yourself Up Some Sculpture Materials
The Unlitter Campaign is bringing a new contest to Sand Castle
Days in 2009: a trash sculpture competition open to all. Picking
up trash not only improves the immediate vicinity, but also
provides the unlitterer with FREE sculpture materials. Make a
free-standing sculpture from at least 70% found objects (i.e.
TRASH) and you could win a cash prize! The trash sculptures will
be displayed during the festival and judged by the public in
three categories - Kids 12 and under, Kids 13-17, and adults.
Winners will be announced during a “trashy fashion” style show
on Sunday.
Come for the Sandcastles -- Stay for the Weekend
Magnificent sand and trash sculpture is just part of this 3-day
event. As in years past, there will be free sandcastle
instruction for kids of all ages, kite-flying demonstrations,
the Pirate Bazaar (art, food and crafts) and the ever-popular
South Texas Snowball Challenge presented by the SPI Polar Bears.
Some new activities will be debuting at the 2009 festival
including a Kids Craft Tent sponsored by the Coastal
Current/Island Breeze, the afore-mentioned Trash Fashion Show
and an on-line Photography contest. You can expect to hear lots
of great home-grown music and catch appearances by Valley Proud’
Captain Crab and the Island Hula Dancers. Don’t miss the Bongo
Dogs perform Saturday evening after the awards ceremony at D.J.
Lerma Pavilion.
You will also want to stop by the Environmental Awareness Tent
to learn about our fragile coastal ecosystem by visiting our
partners in protecting & preserving our coastal shores and it's
natural resources: Sea Turtle Inc., the SPI Dolphin Research &
Sealife Center, The Unlitter Campaign, the Surfrider Foundation
South Texas Chapter and Valley Proud.
How To Beat the Traffic (and the county park fee!)
“Ride your bike! And what a great time to park your RV or pitch
a tent in Isla Blanca Park! ” is the suggestion of Amazin’
Walter - event director and founder of the Unlitter Campaign.
If you are coming from further away, you can now fly directly to
Brownsville on American Airlines/American Eagle: the “official
airline of Sandcastle Days” is offering a 10% discount on
airfare to anyone coming to the island for Sand Castle Days. For
details on this offer as well as contest schedule, entry
information and sponsorship opportunities, please visit
www.sandcastledays.com.
Sponsors for the 22nd annual Sand Castle Days Festival include
the Town of South Padre Island, American Eagle/American
Airlines, KGBT-TV4, Everyready/Banana Boat Suncare Products, L &
F Distributors and the Island Breeze/Coastal Current.
Sponsorships and art vendor opportunities are still available by
calling 956-433-9909.
Oct 15-18 2009
Come to Texas' Best Beach
& Play in the Sand!
Amateur and
professional sand sculptors from all over the world descend on
South Padre Island every year to create beautiful works of art
using natural elements of the beach. The not-for-profit event
showcases the artwork and an appreciation for the coastal
environment, and donates to organizations helping to preserve
it.
More info on the official site
here
