'Man-Eating Shark Attack' Brings Joy To Glen Island Beach

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — In March, Daytona is the "it" destination for spring break. In November, the eyes of the world are on surfing competitions in Hawaii and it's a great time to visit Australia's famed Bondi Beach. But on the first Saturday in August, there might not be a better patch of shoreline to visit than Glen Island Beach in Westchester County.

If playing in the sand isn't your idea of fun, never fear, because the annually held event also features scavenger hunts, games for all age groups and a live DJ making the Long Island Sound beach feel like a tropical resort for the day.

"Glen Island’s Sand Art Competition is one of the highlights of summer in Westchester," Westchester County Executive George Latimer said of the special day at the beach. "Every year I’m impressed with the talent displayed by the contestants."

Beginning at 11 a.m., teams of between two and ten members were provided with three, five-gallon buckets, a spray bottle and access to water, with which the sand artists raced to turn into magic in time for "shovels down" and judging at 3:30 p.m.

"The staff at Glen Island does a great job at putting on the Sand Art Competition each year," Parks Commissioner Kathy O’Connor, who was on hand for the festivities, said. "I’m excited to invite new and returning participants to show off their creativity."

The competition was fierce and the champions were eventually crowned, but it was clear from the temporary sand gallery near the famed Glen Island bathhouse, that there were no losers, only winners.