This Saturday, Spoleto comes to the beach with the Piccolo Spoleto Sand Sculpting Contest on the Isle of Palms. Of course, most Spoleto events take place on the downtown peninsula, so this is a real treat, especially if you’re staying on the IOP. Here’s your chance to take an element of nature - beach sand – and, with some creativity and a couple hours of work, turn it into an artistic masterpiece. The Sand Sculpting Contest is a longstanding island and Piccolo Spoleto tradition and has been around for 31 years. It’s a great thing to do with a whole bunch of friends or family, as teams of four are welcome. You can also go solo or in a duo if you’d like. They have several categories/divisions. First, second and third place winners in each category will take home nice prizes…. not to mention the ever-important beach bragging rights. The first 200 registered participants get a T-shirt. Of course you don’t HAVE to be a participant to enjoy the fun. Spectators and cheerleaders are welcome, too! It’s always a lot of fun to see what people cook up.
Here are the basic stats on the Sand Sculpting Contest on the IOP:
Saturday morning, June 1st Front Beach, Isle of Palms Competition starts at 9:00 a.m. Onsite registration available prior to the start of competition, at 8:30 a.m.
Categories:
- Family event (At least one adult & one young adult or child)
- Adult’s event (Ages 21 and older)
- Young Adult’s event (Ages 15 – 20)
- Children’s event (Ages 14 and under)
- Best Architectural
- Most Creative
- Best in Show (Overall)
Read more about it on the IOP website, which lists last year’s winners, including "30th Skulleto Sand Sculpture," "Cheese and Quackers," and "Eat Mor' Shrimp."
Rules and Registration
Basically, you or your group are assigned a particular numbered site on the beach. There are some basic rules - like, “Wheeled vehicles of any kind, including wheelbarrows, wagons, carts, etc. may not be used to assist in the construction of entries, i.e., to transport sand…. “ but, “The use of hand shovels, buckets, trowels, shaping or forming tools, temporary forms and shoring (used for construction only) and other miscellaneous hand tools are permitted.” You can email the completed form or necessary information ahead of the event to SandSculptures4Fun@yahoo.com to be sure you secure a spot and a T-shirt in your desired size. Sponsors for this year's contest include: The City of Isle of Palms, AIA of Charleston, Windjammer, Sea Kayak Carolina, Morgan Creek Grill, Coconut Joe's, CAAFI, Tidal Wave Water Sports, New York Butcher Shoppe, Island Surf, Co, Coastal Expeditions, Patriot's Point Naval & Maritime Museum, My Favorite Things, Island Mermaid and Count on News 2. So check out the family-friendly fun that is the Sand Sculpting Contest. And when you’re looking for the very best in Isle of Palms vacation rentals, be sure to call EP. All best, Lowcountry Lisa your Isle of Palms vacation blogger