37th Annual Sandcastle Contest

Sandcastle 1

37th Annual Sandcastle Contest a great success at State Park with the help of local business sponsors

Dewey Beach, DE – Creatives of all ages congregated again at Delaware Seashore State Park on July 8th to partake in an almost four decade long tradition! Under the hot sun, contestants toiled away at their castles and sculptures from the moment they signed up, for free, on arrival at the beach until 1 p.m., when the judging commenced. This event has been a staple of Delaware Seashore State Park summers for thirty seven years.

Contestants were judged on originality, creativity, complexity, aesthetic appeal, and use of natural materials. The 12-and-under division 1st place winner was the “Bethany Babes”:  Luca, Christian, Maya, Reese, and Avery from Oceanview, DE for their sand sculpture entitled “Hermie Hut”. Taking 1st place in the open division was the Shelly family: Kelly, Dennis, Justin, Doug, and Charline, from Manheim, PA. They won a $50 gift certificate to the Lighthouse for crafting a magnificent sculpture of a lighthouse! Way to keep your eyes on the prize, Shelly family!

Although the contest is free of charge, many competitors go on to sign up for many of the park’s programs. Program revenue goes to supporting future educational programs programs. Local businesses, listed as sponsors at the end of the article, are the reason that this free competition is able to provide a prize for every entrant. A very special thanks goes out to all of the businesses below who were able and willing to contribute to the community event.

The very tough task of judging all of the entries went to four judges. Pat Cooper, Regional Park Administrator, Ray Bivens, Division Director, Scott Borino, Park Manager, and Kendall Summers, Stewardship Manager, assessed a total of 47 castles and sculptures to determine which castle would reign supreme.

Thank you to all of the businesses who sponsored this event, in no particular order: Quiet Storm, The Country Store, McCabes Gourmet Market, Made by Hand, Bethany Surf Shop, Bella Luna, Baja Beach House Grille, Sea Shell City, Seaside Country Store, Viking Golf, Fisher’s Popcorn Fenwick, Pottery Place, Tidepool Toys and Games, Thunder Lagoon Water Park, Blue Room Fine Arts Gallery, Fish ails, Atlantic Shoules, Vanderwales, Rusty Rudder, Lighthouse, Que Pasa, Dolle’s, Christmas Spirit, Snyder’s Candy, Gidget’s Gadgets, Rehoboth Toy and Kite Co., Rehoboth Beach and Variety, Bite to Go, Sea Shell Shop, Nicola Pizza, Summer House Saloon, Sea Finds, Pet Wants, Yarn and Bone Pet Supply, Art League, The Sunglass Company, T-Shirt World, Old Inlet Bait + Tackle, Rita’s Waterice, Capriotti’s, and any business that hung a flyer for the competition in their window. Thank you for contributing to the success of this 37th annual sand castle building contest!