This week, 200 tons of sand were brought in and dumped on Hampton Beach in New Hampshire in preparation for the 25th Annual Hampton Beach Master Sand Sculpting Classic.
The event in Hampton, N.H., is free for all to attend.
The competition spans several days, beginning Friday with sponsor-dedicated sculpting.
Solo competition sculpting starts June 12 to 14.
An awards ceremony will be held at 7:30 p.m. June 14 on the Sea Shell Stage. An accompanying fireworks display will start at 9:30 p.m., according to organizers.
Nightly, illuminated viewing of the completed sand sculptures will be available through June 23.
Since its founding, the event has garnered millions of visitors, making it the largest masters competition in the Northeast, according to event organizers.
During the event, sculptors use “nothing but sand, water, and a bit of their own creativity,” according to the competition’s official site.
The first-place winner will receive a prize of $6,000. Competitors who place second, third, and fourth will also receive cash prizes, as well as nonplacing competitors.
The invitation-only competition hosts 10 renowned and professional sculptors including the event’s organizer and founder Greg Grady.
Other notable attendees include Latvian sculptor Karlis Ile, Canadian sculptor Melineige Beauregard, and returning champion David Ducharme.
After the sculptures are constructed, they are sprayed with a solution of school glue and water to protect them from wind and water while in place for viewing.
The event is funded by the Hampton Beach Village District and sponsors, in cooperation with The Hampton Area Chamber of Commerce and The New Hampshire Division of Parks.
“It is something you have to see in person to believe,” organizers said.
Sarah Mesdjian can be reached at sarah.mesdjian@globe.com. Follow her on X @sarahs_journal.
