The overcast skies drifted out as the First Annual Build A Dream sandcastle building contest took place on the beach. Bolivar Tourism & Visitors Center, David Harris and Cathie Ropp hosted the event on a perfect spring break Saturday, with Latitude 29.2 Surf Shop as the presenting sponsor. There were fifteen registered teams in two categories: six adult teams and nine kid teams. With five hours to build, the teams began shoveling and digging at 10 am. It was clear the adult teams had a mission and plan in mind as their process unfolded. The kid teams, on the other hand, began digging in the sand…doing what kids do best. Their “plan” evolved later with some assistance from nearby adults. All types of creations were beginning from traditional castles and sea creatures to religious themes and a Pi-Day apple pie.
The contest drew a large crowd of onlookers, walking the line, taking photos, and awing at the creativity. Latitude’s Rusty and Sarah Standridge approached David a couple years ago about hosting a Sandcastle Contest on the beach. It all came together beautifully, alongside a professional castle demo by Kevin Lane, inventor of the 2020 Toy of the Year: Create A Castle. David is proud to report, “We were not sure how this would turn out since it was our first year, but the response was awesome!”
After five hours of sculpting, of which some teams used every last minute, the masterpieces were complete. There were some amazingly detailed castles complete with bridges and doors, some sea creatures coming alive onshore, and intricately designed religious themed creations. A particularly clever sand design was the apple pie for Pi Day, 3.14. The judges deliberated and the results were announced, kids first. The excitement on their faces was enough win for the adults in the crowd. And the adult winning team Sand-Tastic 5 took first place, displaying the skills they learned from South Padre pro Andy Hancock. Many Congratulations to the teams and a big Thank You to all the sponsors and volunteers.
We’re already looking forward to next year.
www.BolivarPeninsulaTexas.com/Events/Build-A-Dream-Sandcastle
Kids-First Place: Ruby & Aubrey
Kids-Second Place: Lane, Lucas & Jase
Kids-Third Place: Maci
Adult-First Place: Sand-Tastic 5, Kym, Daren, Doreen, Jim & Kathy
Adult-Second Place: Julie Wood
Adult-Third Place: Noah’s Team
[March-16-2020]
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