The world famous beach at Coney Island was a virtual wonderland of creative sand sculptures for the 28th Annual Sand Sculpting Contest. The much-anticipated free sculpting competition took place on Saturday, Aug. 18 with participants arriving on the Boardwalk, between 10th and 12th Streets, in order to register by noon.
They were all assigned a sand dune and equipped with a beach pail and water to help them create their masterpiece.
Judging began at 3 p.m., with the winners announced by 4 p.m. The day started out overcast but by early afternoon the skies had cleared and the contestants were able to enjoy a sunny, albeit humid, day at the beach.
The four-hour event was sponsored by the Astella Development Corporation in partnership with the Alliance for Coney Island and Brooklyn Community Services.
“It was a great day to see the creative sculptures made by the people at Coney Island,” Eddie Mark, district manager of Community Board 13, told this paper.
To spur the contestants on, professional artists worked their own magic, offering some world-class creations. Matthew Long designed an intricate sculpture of the Greek god Triton holding an Alliance for Coney Island sign.
Matthew Deibert, another non-competing artist, created an elaborate homage to Coney Island’s Luna Park.
Prizes were awarded in four categories: family, individual adult, group adult and people’s choice.
Gilbert Ortega received the people’s choice award for his patriotic Empire State Building creation. Gina Rock took the best family award for a sculpture of a giant fish with its mouth open.
“It’s called the fish that spit out Gina,” Darren Rock said as his daughter Gina curled herself up inside the fish’s mouth.
A washboard sand sculpture won Kathy Nichols first place in the group adult category and Stephen Palladino was given the individual adult award for his tasty tribute to Coney Island and Nathan’s Famous.
“Saturday marked a remarkable sand sculpting event once again with locals and visitors showing their artistry right here on our iconic beach,” Alexandra Silversmith, executive director, Alliance for Coney Island, told this paper.
“Our annual event brings out the best creativity and this year did not disappoint with everything from elephants, to skyscrapers, sea creatures and Coney Island inspired creations,” she added. ”We encourage New Yorkers to continue visiting Coney Island and playing on our beaches, and we can’t wait to see everyone compete again next year.”
On the Avenue: Kiwanis Club fetes ‘Finest’ with award named for late chief 
On the Avenue: Celebs, activists honored at annual Maimonides gala