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“Ascension” by Bruce Peck, placed third in the 2024 American Sand Sculpting Championship on Fort Myers Beach. Photo by Nathan Mayberg
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Bruce Waugh with his winning sand sculpture “Fish Out of Water” at the 2024 American Sand Sculpting Championship on Fort Myers Beach Sunday. Photo by Nathan Mayberg
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The American Sand Sculpting Championship on Fort Myers Beach. Photo by Nathan Mayberg
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The 2024 American Sand Sculpting Championship on Fort Myers Beach. Photo by Nathan Mayberg
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The American Sand Sculpting Championship is returning to the DiamondHead Beaxh Resort Nov. 20-24. File photo
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The other side of first-place winner “A Grand Adventure into the Landscape of the Imagination” from the 2019 Sand Sculpting Championship on Fort Myers Beach –
File photo by NATHAN MAYBERG
The 35th American Sand Sculpting Championship, one of the most eye-catching annual events on Fort Myers Beach, returns Nov. 20-24 to the DiamondHead Beach Resort.
Fort Myers Beach will host the nation’s top master and advanced amateur sand sculptors in a dazzling display of artistry and creativity. The event is expected to draw more than 20 artists from around the world in an expanded site this year.
The American Sand Sculpting Championship moved to the DiamondHead Beach Resort last year after going on hiatus from Fort Myers Beach for two years due to Hurricane Ian.
The event was a huge success, “surpassing attendance expectations,” DiamondHead Beach Resort General Manager Neil Hopgood said.
“We have doubled the space this year to allow for more sculptors and vendors on site, and doubled the size of our demonstration, presentation and entertainment tent,” Hopgood said.
“With over 20 sculptors from more than 10 countries, the return of this beloved signature event to Fort Myers Beach is a testament to the resilience and perseverance of this small island community,” Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jacki Liszak said. “The Fort Myers Beach community is ready to welcome back its most devoted fans.”
Liszak said the American Sand Sculpting Championship is an opportunity for the public “to witness breathtaking sand sculptures and experience the vibrant atmosphere that defines Fort Myers Beach. With limited hotel rooms and vacation rentals available, early reservations are highly recommended.” Liszak said those visiting the island should make sure to check out the “stay and play” deals at local resorts.
The Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce is also helping to coordinate vendors and sponsors around the event. For more information on that, email events@fmbchamber.com for more information.
The American Sand Sculpting Championship is presented by the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with The Sand Lovers, LLC, and DiamondHead Beach Resort.
Reservations at the DiamondHead Beach Resort can be made at www.diamondheadfl.com.
The DiamondHead Beach Resort will have live music under the big tent each night featuring Gashouse Gorillas on Friday November 21 from 5-8 p.m., Chasing Denver on Saturday, Nov. 22 from 5-8 p.m. and High Voltage on Sunday, Nov. 23 from 5-8 p.m.
The DiamondHead Beach Resort has some availability during the event.
“We still have beachfront 1 bedroom suites overlooking the event area available to rent and both Coste Island Cuisine and Cabanas Beach Bar will be open through the duration of the event. We are excited to invite everyone back for our second year of hosting this incredible event,” Hopgood said.
The Pink Shell Beach Resort will hold a meet and greet with the sculptors that is being organized by the Fort Myers Beach Commerce for Wednesday, Nov. 19. The meet and greet will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.To register for that event, visit www.fmbsandsculpting.com.
For more information on the sand sculpting championship and a list of events, visit www.fmbsandsculpting.com.
Tickets and info can be found through the following link:
https://www.fortmyersbeach.org/sandsculpting-championship/
