Hampton Hippo, Giant Dog Among the Winners at Sandcastle Contest

A giant dog, a massive mantaray with a life-size diver on the fin, a recreation of camelot and a dragon were just a few of the amazing sand sculptures across Atlantic Avenue Beach Saturday afternoon. The 20th Annual Sandcastle Contest judges made selections based on originality and creativity, texture, group fun and animation.

A winner was crowned in one of 5 different categories based on age and skill level.

The winners were:

Overall Winner: Merdog by Max and Heddi Siebel, Alexander and August Felix, Manuel Estrada and Johnny Manix

Sand Fleas (Up to 8 years old):
1st Place: Train by Trish and Charlie Goldsmith
2nd Place: Great Wall of China by Sophie, Amos, Carla and Charlotte Levy
3rd Place: Tyler’s Turtle by Daniel and Michael Sarlo

Sand Hoppers (9-15 years old):
1st Place: Beach Mini Golf by Matthew and Emily O’Gorman, Jenny, Michelle and Nicole Seiarrino
2nd Place: The Seahorse by Leah Lane, Sasha, Bonnie, Stewart and May
3rd Place: USS Phoenix by Joe Panico, Jack Farren, Christopher and Thomas Moore and Justin and James Hollett

Sand Tribes (Families):
1st Place: Hampton Hippo by Henry Moreton, Claire, Julia, Henry and Ann
2nd Place: Dragons by Martin and Ian Ball, Catherine, Kieran and Alishe Burger
3rd Place: Starfish by Curtis Matos, Tatiana, Gaby, Vera, Lauren and Sam

Sand Shapers (Adults):
1st Place: Heads or Tails by Steven, Nia, Alec and Jacob Judelson, Wendy and Leah Kogah
2nd Place: Medieval Rapture by Evan Kerr
3rd Place: Harry’ s Hideaway by Paul Green

Sand Pros:
1st Place: Polar Bears by Jay Schneiderman
2nd Place: Despicable mermaid by Floyd Linton
Honorable Mention: Camelot by Bruce Jack and Lisa Eaton, Douglas Riccardi and Julie Kelston