Perfect weather greeted those who visited Robert Crown Memorial State Beach to see plots of sand evolve into showpieces at the annual Alameda Sand Castle and Sand Sculpture Contest Saturday, June 7. In its 48th year, the free event’s sponsors were the Alameda Parks and Recreation Department (ARPD), East Bay Regional Park District, Bayview Women’s Club and Alameda Youth Committee.

 
A large crowd observed 410 contestants from the Bay Area and beyond develop their creations from natural items found on the beach the morning of the contest. Materials used included: shells, seaweed, driftwood and, of course, sand.

Entries were judged based on how many of the 100 points overall they earned in the following categories: 30 points for design (originality of subjects and design); 30 points for details (originality of shape, lines and space); 20 points for neatness (sharp relief, blanced proportions overall); and 20 points for technique (use of forms, drip method, shaping of arches, etc.)

Sand Castle Division
In the 12-and-under age group, Tiffany from Oakland won first place; Jonathan and Chloe from Alameda won second place and Calvin from Millbrae took third. 

In the 13-and-over age group Escher’s Heshers of Alameda won first place; Small Size, Big Mind of Alameda won second and The Sand People of Palo Alto won third place.

 
In the family section, the Schablaske family of San Jose won first place and also took home Best in Show, the Jackson family of Berkeley won second and Team Bri of Hayward won third place. 

Sand Sculpture Division
In the 12-and-under age group, “The Volcano Dragon” by The Dragons of Alameda won first place; “Living room” by Sand Flea from Alameda won second place and “Poison Starfish” by Logan and Jocelyn of San Jose won third. 

In the 13-and-over age group, “The Shire” by Brandi Bunch of Alameda won first place and Best in Show as well; “Audrey II” by Altarena Playhouse from Alameda won second and “Blue” built by Parson’s Ladies from Moraga won third. 

In the Family section, “Sun” built by the Rizo Family of Vacaville won first place; “Octopus” built by the Sellers Family of Alameda won second place and “Fancy Unicorn” built by the Wiggers Family of Belmont won third place. 

JoanAnn Radu-Sinaiko and Holly McAdams contributed to this story.