Sandcastle contest

PHOTO BY MICHAEL GALVIN The annual Sandcastle and Sculpture Day is an island tradition entering its 35th year.

The Chamber of Commerce and the Nantucket Island School of Design and the Arts will hold the 35th annual Sandcastle and Sculpture Day, Saturday, August 16, on Jetties Beach with a rain date on August 17.

Over 50 sculptures will emerge from the sand on this August afternoon. A late-summer ritual for some, families and teams return year after year to vie for top honors. The rules are simple - be creative. Tools and building aids, ornaments and decorations all may be used, but none are supplied.

Contestants are urged to work with biodegradable items, and must take away any non-biodegradable items used.

Pre-registration is necessary. You may register at the Chamber office at Zero Main Street until noon on Friday, August 15. Contestants may enter in one of four categories: Family Team, Adult Team, 11-16 Year Olds and 10 & Under. The age group of a team is determined by its oldest member. A family is considered a team if adults participate.

Family members not registered can cheer, but must keep their hands off the sand. The non-refundable entry fee is $5.00 per person.

Judging is based on creativity, concept and design. Highlights have included everything from Nantucket Lightship Baskets to VW Bugs. All participants will receive a ribbon and a People's Choice ribbon will be awarded! Judges are professional artists from the faculty of the Nantucket Island School of Design.

This is a fun-filled day for participants or admirers of sandcastle sculpting. A visit to Jetties Beach to watch the sculpting in action or view the finished sculptures at sunset is well worth the trip. I