Each year Texas SandFest gathers massive crowds to the beach in Port Aransas. The biggest event of the year invites thousands of people to gaze at extraordinary sand art situated along the coast. This year, 20 sculptors from around the world decided to show off their incredible skills for the competition. The event was filled with creative sand artists who choose to create sea turtles, detailed designed sand castles and even elephants.
More info: texassandfest.org
1st Place – Liberty Crumbling, Damon Langlois
Image credits: Kästle
One sculpture at this event stood out the most. Damon Langlois was awarded the first place for his sculpture portraying what's seems to be a facepalming Lincoln, called "Liberty Crumbling".
Image credits: Kastle Kelley
The Canadian sculptor was praised for the skillfully made visual representation of the 16th president of the United States. The sculpture began raising questions online with people speculating if the idea behind the artwork is related to the current political situation in the United States.
Image credits: Tinsman
Some people said they believe that the creation perfectly represents how Lincoln would feel about the country today.
2nd Place – Keep it Together, Joris Kivits
Image credits: Kastle Kelley
3rd Place & People’s Choice – Sofia, Remy Hoggard
Image credits: Kastle Kelley
The Texas SandFest’s Master Sculptor Coordinator, Suzanne Altamare, revealed how the sculptures are judged. “Sand sculptures are judged on originality, degree of difficulty, proper proportions, cleanliness of finished surfaces and the WOW factor,” she said.
She’s a Little Bit City and a Little Bit Country, Delayne Corbett
Image credits: Kastle Kelley
Save the Elephants, Paul Hoggard
Image credits: Kastle Kelley
Attendees have the opportunity to vote for their favorites too. The sculpture with the most votes from visitors gains People’s Choice Award.
Carl Jara
Image credits: Kastle Kelley
Out of Sight, Out of Mind, Todd Pangborn
Image credits: Kastle Kelley
The Texas Sand Fest Began in 1997. It only took a couple of years for the event to develop into a 3-day family friendly festival. Today the event brings ten of thousands of people and is scheduled when there the least amount of tourists in the area.
Continental Drip, Jeff Strong
Image credits: Kastle Kelley
Master Duo Competitors: 1st Place – Opposites Attract, Laura Cimador-Gowdy & John Gowdy
Image credits: Kastle Kelley
Apart from checking out the sand art, attendees have the opportunity to enjoy great food, attend concerts and other festivities. Texas SandFest is a non-profit event, all the collected funds are donated to Port Aransas Community Theatre.
Master Duo Competitors: 2nd Place – Party in Your Plants, Morgan Rudluff & Abe Waterman
Image credits: Kastle Kelley
Master Duo Competitors: 3rd Place – Man in Motion, Ted Siebert & Fred Dobbs
Image credits: Kastle Kelley
Here's how people reacted to the winning sculpture
