Sandsculpting championship begins on Fort Myers Beach

COURTESY PHOTO The 22nd annual American Sandsculpting Championship Festival begins Wednesday, Nov. 5 and runs through Sunday, Nov. 9, on Fort Myers Beach. More than 75,000 spectators are expected to attend the 22nd annual American Sandsculpting Championship Festival beginning Wednesday, Nov. 5, and running through Sunday, Nov. 9. People travel from all over the world to admire the whimsical masterpieces created by the sand sculptors.

The festival has 22 master sculptors registered this year to compete for the prize money. This is an invitation only competition, which means only the finest sand sculptors from around the world will be participating.

A two-day Florida State Amateur Championship will also be held during the Sandsculpting Festival. This competition features those amateurs who have competed in past events and are working towards qualifying at the Invitational Masters level. There is another amateur competition that is dedicated to those amateurs who wish to compete for the first time. The Holiday Inn and Outrigger Beach Resort are the host sites of the three competitions this year.

Situated half-way between all of the magnificent sand sculptures lies Sand Magic Village, which is sponsored by Pulte Homes. Local businesses, crafts, games, and community organizations will be located in the exhibitor area. Pulte Homes' Sand Magic Village, is the perfect place for families to stop and rest while enjoying refreshments, shopping and more.

This year, to avoid transportation issues of the past, the Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce is bringing in motor coaches to provide direct transportation to the sculpting sites. Spectators can park their cars at Lovers Key and enjoy the scenic ride free of charge. The drop-off areas will be the Holiday Inn Fort Myers Beach on the south end, and Charley's Boat House on the north end of the festival.

The 22nd annual American Sandsculpting Championship Festival is guaranteed to be five days of fun in the sun. For further details and the full list of Sandsculpting Festival events, visit www. SandsculptingFestival.com or call (866) 916-SAND.