Coney’s 25th Sand Sculpting Contest a successful anniversary

On your mark, get set, sculpt!

Coney Island saw some creative fun in the sun on Saturday, August 15, as sand sculptors from around the country took to the beach to show off their skills.

A tradition since 1990, the contest started off with a modest 20 families. Twenty five years ago, the Astella Development Corporation—a not-for-profit community organization dedicated to providing affordable housing and economic development opportunities, and improving the quality of life in Coney Island—began hosting the contest, a competition that, today, sees hundreds of participants from across New York and the country.

“I love this event,” said Matt Deibert, a professional sand sculptor from New Jersey who has participated in the last three contests. “There’s always an overwhelming amount of people, the weather was incredible, and I really had a great time.”

Deibert compared the contest and sculpting to “performance art,” mentioning that he went to school for art and this year even had his two sons, Ian, 22, and Matt Jr., 19, sculpting by his side.

“Everyone is just eager to learn and see what’s going on,” Deibert said. “It’s like performance art; people are trying to learn the art of sand sculpting. I saw some incredible people working and having a great time.”

According to Brooklyn Community Services, this contest “marks 25 years of fostering creative expression, community and culture in Coney Island.” The 2015 celebration included an appearance by 2015 Miss New York, Katherine Cooksey, who judged the children’s individual and group contestants, and nationally known strongman and subject of the critically acclaimed documentary, “Bending Steel,” Chris Schoeck, who performed feats of strength for the audience.

“It’s kind of a family affair,” said Deibert, who has even appeared with his son, Ian, on the Travel Channel show “Sand Wars.” “The weather up here and to be able to drive from Smithville, New Jersey to Coney Island is very special.”

This year’s sponsors included NYC Parks, the Alliance for Coney Island, Dunkin’ Donuts, MetroPlus and the Home Depot.