Chamber president promotes 2010 American Sandsculpting Championship
The next GREAT sand sculpting event in our area will be occurring on November 10-14, 2010. The 24th American Sandsculpting Championship will be returning to the Holiday Inn and GullWing properties on Fort Myers Beach. This year, this World Championship Qualifying Event will feature 17 sculptors whose combined resumes begin with over 35 World Championship titles! The winner at this contest does receive an automatic spot in the World Championships. Information about the event, sculptor bios, and pictures of past sculptures can be seen at: www.sandsculptingfestival.com.
This group of sculptors coming to Fort Myers Beach had a real presence at the World Championships about six weeks ago at Federal Way in Washington State. Among the 17 sculptors at this upcoming event, a dozen competed at the World Championships. ALL of Team USA will be on Fort Myers Beach for this competition. Team USA won a silver medal at the World Championships.
This year’s activities include a competition, exhibition and art sale called “Paint The Beach” at nearby Santini Plaza. Also, there will be a rocking street party open to the public on Old San Carlos Boulevard near Times Square on Saturday night (November 13) featuring four live bands by the Baywalk Group.
Andrew Cochrane, Chairman of this year’s sand sculpting event, and a guest at the World Championships representing our qualifying event, summed up this signature event in this way: “I am very proud of the amazing line-up of sculptors prepared to exhibit their mesmerizing talent in some of the best sand in the world! Between the sculptors we enjoyed performing at last year’s event and what I saw at the World Championships this past September it is difficult to understand how these sculptors can do with the sand what I have witnessed. Our event should be incredible to watch and experience.”
Katie Corning, a Master Sculptor who lives on Fort Myers Beach and has worked to bring some of the best in the world to this event shared her thoughts. “These sculptors make up what I believe is the best line-up in North America for any competition except the World Championships. I know these sculptors very well and I am very confident that they will create even more head-shaking, outstanding pieces that will be memorable for everyone.”
Last year’s winner, Thomas Koet won the automatic spot to Federal Way from Fort Myers Beach. In his first World Championship participation in the twelve years he has competed, Thomas went on to win the Gold Medal as the winner in the solo competition!
The gates to enter the two galleries will open Friday-Sunday (November 12-14) at 9 am. Tickets for the best viewing are only $5 for adults, $3 for children, and $10 for a family pass. The family pass includes parents or grandparents (not both) with children or grandchildren under 18 years old. Ticket sales end at 5:00 pm Friday-Sunday with the gates to the galleries closing at 6:00 pm. Vendors and a steel drum band will be accessible without requiring a ticket. Free parking is available northern border of Lover’s Key State Park (NOT at the main entrance) from Friday-Sunday only. A free shuttle will transport visitors to and from the host site. For questions, please contact the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce at 454-7500 or go to the website for information, sculptor bios, and pictures of past sculptures at: www.sandsculptingfestival.com.