The Town of Fort Myers Beach proudly presents The American Sandsculpting Championship

November 2 - 6, 2011
GullWing Beach Resort

The 25th Annual American Sandsculpting Championship & Beach Festival was held on Fort Myers Beach from Wednesday, November 2 through Sunday, November 6, 2011.  Located on the sugar white sands in front of the host site sponsor, Gullwing Beach Resort, the event featured 16 sculptors hailing from 3 continents and 6 countries with over 35 combined championship titles.  The Greater Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce organized the event with the destination marketing support of the Lee County Visitor and Convention Bureau.

The American Sandsculpting Championship was recognized as a Top 20 event of the entire southeastern United States by the Southeastern Tourism Society and featured not only world class sculptors, but more than 60 vendors in the Sand Vendor Village, sponsored by Target.

The weather was exceptional and attendance exceeded that of any of the previous 25 years; a testament to the hard work, planning, and support not only by the Greater Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce, but of the committed sponsors and many volunteers. As a show of support for all Armed Forces servicemen and servicewomen of this great land, proceeds from John Gowdy’s “Flying Colors” experience, as well as the raffle for the Weber Grill donated by Gavin’s Ace Hardware, will be used to purchase phone calling cards to those that so selflessly give of themselves in order to protect our freedom on a daily basis.

Ellis Etter, Regional Director of Sales and Marketing for Pink Shell Resort on Fort Myers Beach stated, “our property did see a spike in occupancy over the last week due in part to the American Sandsculpting Festival.  Some came from the Florida drive market, but more importantly, we had quite a few guests come in from the Northeast and Midwestern markets to enjoy this fabulous event.”

Justin Friede, Sandsculpting Event Committee Member commented, “The changes to this year’s event received an overwhelming response from attendees.  Vendors and attendees commented that having the Party on the Pavement, as well as a more condensed event site made everything from the food, sculptures and buses more accessible.  I even heard some say this was the best year ever!"

Judges awarded first prize to Brian Turnbough of Joilet, IL for his creation, “Piggy Banker”.  Second place went to Sue McGrew of Seattle WA for “Venus & Mars”, while Jooheng Tan of Singapore was awarded third place for his “Get the Ball Rolling “sculpture.  Fourth place went to Edith Van De Wetering of the Netherlands for “Do you see what Eye See”, while “Sandy Feet” Lucinda Wierenga of South Padre Island, Texas captured fifth place in the competition for “Specimen”.  Photos of all top finishing sculptures can be found at the official website: www.sandsculptingfestival.com.

The community certainly looks forward to next year’s 26th Annual American Sandsculpting Championship & Beach Festival, the original and longest running event showcasing the beautiful beaches of Fort Myers.

2011 WINNERS - VIEW SCULPTURES

 

Money raised at Sandsculpting Competition helps troops

Read more at Wink News

Special thanks to: