If you loved making sand castles on the beach as a kid, the Wildwood Crest Amateur Sand Sculpting Festival will take you back to those days in the very best (and most impressive!) way.
This summer, hundreds of sculptors and thousands of spectators will come to Heather Street Pier to turn 15 tons of sand into beautiful, gigantic sculptures. Members of the Wildwood Crest Public Works Department will have the piles of sand ready to go, and they also provide barrels of water so that you don’t have to run back and forth to the ocean all day.
If you’re an amateur, bring the kids and your imagination and play in the sand all day on Friday, July 11. Anyone can take part, and it’s free! If you want some tips beforehand, check out organizer Matt Long’s Instagram page before you head to the beach.
There is also a pro-am (advanced amateur division) where about a dozen master carvers create much larger sculptures. This division is juried, and sculptors must be invited to participate. You can email photos of your work to master sculptor Matt Long to request an invite. You can watch the pros work from 6 am to 5 pm on Thursday, and from 6 am to 2 pm on Friday.
The contest runs from 9 am until the awards ceremony at 2 pm. Judging begins at 1:30 pm. You can sign up in the morning beginning at 8 am at the registration table.
Bring your own shovels, buckets and tools; if you’re super serious about your construction, think about bringing masonry tools, palette knives and cake decorating tools (tricks of the professionals).
The Wildwood Crest Amateur Sand Sculpting Festival takes place on July 11 at the beach by Heather Street Pier. There is no fee to join the fun.
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