International Sand Sculpture Contest Brings 6 Pros To Seaside Heights

SEASIDE HEIGHTS, NJ — Building a sand castle on the beach is a favorite summer pastime, but there are some people who take those sculptures to a new level.

This week, a group of international award-winning sand sculptors are competing on the beach in Seaside Heights, using 10 tons of sand each for their creations.

The creations are being built in the space next to the Carousel Pavilion, on Sampson Avenue at the Boardwalk.

“Laura and I are thrilled to bring six of the most talented sand sculptors on the planet to show off their skills in 200 tons of sand at Seaside Heights," said John Gowdy, who along with his wife, Laura, organized the competition that got underway Sunday.

“Come and see what you thought would be impossible to make in just sand and water," he said. "This will be a great family-friendly kick off to the 2022 summer season.”

Kids can play in the play pile area full of buckets and shovels, officials said.

The public can vote for their favorite sculpture and watch the sculpting each day leading up to the award ceremony. The event will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day.

The awards ceremony will take place 7:30 p.m. on June 29 with awards for first, second and third places and a Mayor’s Choice Award.

“We have wanted to bring a sand sculpting competition to Seaside Heights for a long time, and it’s finally here," Mayor Anthony Vaz said. "The talent of these sculptors is incredible. Our hope is that it becomes an annual event with the number of competitors growing each year."

Daily tickets are required and are $5 per day for those 12 years old or older, and $2.50 for children ages 6-11. Children 5 and younger are free.

An event pass for $10 for those ages 12 and older, $5 for those 6 to 11 years old, allows unlimited access for the remaining three days. Purchase tickets here.

The confirmed competitors are:

• Justin Gordon, Groveland, Massachusetts
• Todd Pangborn, Jamestown, NY
• Matt Long, Staten Island, NY
• Karen Fralich, Ontario, Canada
• Melineige Beauregard, Hawaii
• Chris Guinto, Hawaii