10 Sand Sculptors To Vie For 11th Sanding Ovations Masters Cup

TREASURE ISLAND, FL — All it takes is several tons of sand, plenty of water and lots of imagination to build a masterpiece. Ten master sculptors from North America, Asia and Europe will compete for $12,000 in cash prizes during the 11th annual Sanding Ovations Masters Cup Sand Sculpture Competition and Music Festival Nov. 20-24.

The invitational competition has grown to be the largest masters competition in the Southeast United States.

The prize money will go to the creators of the top three winning sculptures and a People’s Choice sculpture. Judging and voting for the People’s Choice Award will take place Saturday, Nov. 23 from 3 to 6 p.m. The awards ceremony is at 7 p.m. followed by a fireworks display at 10 p.m.

The free event also includes three days of live music, a beach food court, an arts and crafts marketplace and a children's area with sand-sculpting lessons.

The sculptors will create their masterpieces at Treasure Island Beach, 10400 Gulf Blvd., from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday when judging begins.

Also on tap is an official kick-off party Thursday at 6 p.m. with music by Soul Circus Cowboys; music by the Randall Bramblett Band and Drivin' n; Cryin' Friday from 6 to 10 p.m.; performances by the School of Rock, Confused, the Tobacco Road Band and the Pirate Flag: A Tribute to Kenny Chesney Saturday from 2 to 10 p.m.; and Sarasota Slim and the Heavy Pets Present Walrus: A Tribute to the Beatles from 1:45 to 5:25 p.m. Sunday.

See the Sanding Ovations website for a complete schedule of events and parking information.