Discover ~ Sandblast 2016 on Anna Maria Island
Sandblast 2016
My kids absolutely love being beach architects. Sitting in the sand without a care in the world. Mom's happy that they are flexing their imaginations and they get such a kick out of running into the Gulf of Mexico to rinse off the sand. This leads me to the latest festival happening on Anna Maria Island. Just another reason why we Beach Lifers love our little island in the sun. We've got you covered for all the FAQ's about Sandblast 2016.
Everything You Need to Know about Sandblast
Sandblast is one of our favourite events on Anna Maria Island, Florida. Here's our Insider's Guide about Discovering Sandblast and what you need to know before you go, how to get there and what to not to miss.
When
Thursday, November 17 - Friday, November 18, 2016
Free Sand Sculpting Clinics
5:00 am to 6:00 pm
Join the free sand castle building clinic, hosted master sculptors Team Sandtastic
It's a great information session full of tips, how to's and sculpting techniques
Saturday, November 19, 2016
Sand Sculpting Contest
8:00 am to 2:00 pm
Check in starts a 8:00 am
Sculptors start at 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Judging begins at 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Awards will be given out at 2:00 pm
Sand Sculptures will remain on the beach until December 14th
November 19th, Sandblast celebrates America Recycles Day
Where
Manatee Public Beach at Holmes Beach, directly beside Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe
4000 Gulf Dr., Holmes Beach, Florida
Who
We had a chance to catch up with Team Sandtastic owner Mark Mason last year. We wanted to know just how he got into sand sculpting as a profession.
"Sand sculpture has turned from a hobby... into a passion... into a profession for me. Loving arts & crafts as a child I grew up in Ft. Lauderdale and didn't mind the ephemeral nature of sand sculpture when making things on the beach. In high school I headed a team for an annual contest [much like your Anna Maria Island's SandBlast!] and did something unheard of back then...We practiced our displays ahead of time.
Taking a whimsical craft like making sand castles seriously it caught the attention of the event sponsors, the onlookers, and even the hotels and restaurants we practiced in front of. Photos of our pieces grew into a portfolio.. and calls of interest from those above expanded our repertoire. We're now a team of sculptors crafting displays and hosting our Sand Sculpture Clinics all across the globe. What a hoot.
Our first SandBlast was in the year 2000. Quite some tenure. No rust on our tools." Check out a few of Sandtastic recent endeavours at: www.TeamSandtastic.com/Latest
Master sculptors, Team Sandtastic will begin a few days before to build the gigantic sand sculpture that will greet visitors made up of 80 tons of sand! Team Sandtastic currently holds the World Guiness Record for tallest hand built sand sculpture (under 100 man hrs) which stood at 28 feet 7 1/4 inches tall. Now that's pretty incredible!
Facts
Sandblast is a Sand Sculpture Competition
To participate in the contest entry forms can be downloaded HERE
Registration deadline is November 14, 2016
Beverages and snack bags are provided to contestants
Divisions are 'Elementary-Middle School' or 'High School-Adult'
Entry fee is $300 for up to 15 team members, that's $20 per person.
Sculpting is open to a High School - Adult Division and an Elementary - Middle School Division
Each plot will be encased in a 15 x 15 foot area with a huge mound of sand to sculpt
Contestants need to bring their own tools such as shovels, buckets, trowels and any other sculpting tool needed
2016 Themes are Free Form, Wildlife
Business Sponsors raise funds to support Keep Manatee Beautiful, an educational organization dedicated to litter prevention, beautification and environmental improvement
Insider Tip!
Try contacting Keep Manatee Beautiful to get help with finding a sponsor for smaller teams. This will help offset the $300 entry fee. Call Keep Manatee Beautiful at 941-795-8272.
Where to Stay
At Anna Maria Island Home Rental, we have luxurious waterfront accommodations available for minimum one week stays. We specialize in family vacations. Contact us for information about our fantastic last minute deals!
514-606-6673
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