“Purrrrfect Love“ takes People’s Choice Award at the American Sand Sculpting Championship
All of the votes for the People’s Choice Award have been counted from the attendees of the American Sand Sculpture Championship this past week on Fort Myers Beach. And the winner is: “Purrrrfect Love” by Remy Hoggard, the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce announced today.
The four-day event drew a record-breaking crowd to the DiamondHead Beach Resort, Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce President Jacki Liszak said.
Sculptors from six countries partook in the competition, which drew thousands of onlookers.
“The American Sand Sculpting Championship continues to honor the creativity, resilience, and community spirit of Fort Myers Beach,” said Jacki Liszak, President of the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce. “This year’s attendance, combined with the incredible quality of the sculptures, shows how meaningful this event is for both locals and visitors. We are deeply grateful to all who helped make this year’s championship such a tremendous success.”
Liszak said more than 600 volunteers took part.
“Their enthusiasm and hard work fueled the festival from beginning to end. Their consistent effort throughout the five-day celebration ensured smooth operations and a memorable experience for all guests,” Liszak said.
The winners of the event as chosen by a panel which included members of the community, as well as a sculptor’s choice award, had been previously announced.
The full list of winners are:
Masters Division winners:
1st Place: “Intro Spect” by Todd Pangborn
2nd Place: “Monkeying Around” by John Gowdy
3rd Place: “The Fence” by Matt Diebert
Additional Masters honors:
People’s Choice: “Purrrrfect Love” by Remy Hoggard
Sculptor’s Choice: “Swimming” by Ferenc Monostori
Advanced Amateur / Semi-Pro Division winners:
1st Place: “Still Standing” by Pete Faverio
2nd Place: “Constitutional Crisis” by Scott Triplett
3rd Place: “Gritty Kitty” by John Martinez
Faverio’s “Still Standing” swept the division, earning First Place, People’s Choice, and Sculptor’s
The 35th American Sand Sculpting Championship was presented by the
Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce in partnership with The Sand Lovers, LLC, and DiamondHead Beach Resort.
Liszak thanked the Town of Fort Myers Beach, the Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, and partners at Lee County for their support before and during the event. “Their guidance and coordination were critical in maintaining a safe and seamless festival experience for all attendees,” Liszak said.
“We sincerely thank our community nonprofit partners who managed the parking areas around the festival grounds. Their dedication and teamwork were essential in making this year’s event a success,” Liszak said.