Whiting Arts Council, City to Host First-Ever Sand Sculpting Competition at Whihala Beach

Whiting Arts Council, City to Host First-Ever Sand Sculpting Competition at Whihala Beach

The Lakefront Community of Whiting, Indiana is excited to be holding the first Sand Sculpting Competition at Whihala Beach on June 25, 2016. The Whiting Arts Council will be hosting the Competition in conjunction with the City of Whiting and both the organization and the city are eager to bring visitors and the community together to celebrate a morning of sculpting sand. The inaugural Competition will be taking place at Whihala Beach at 117th Street and Park Road.

“We’ll be holding our first ever Sand Sculpting Competition on Saturday, June 25th,” said Brian Lowry from Shoreline Consulting. “Registration, which is that day only, begins at 7:00am. People will have until noon to build, at which point we will begin judging.”

“The idea emerged in discussion with the Whiting Arts Council,” said Lowry. “The Council is composed of various arts groups from around the city and the idea came about as we were discussing ways to engage families and people in the community, in the arts. We are able to take advantage of the fact that we are one of the few communities in Northwest Indiana that has a beach.”

“It sounds like it’s going to be a great time,” Lowry said of the event which is themed, Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea! “The event will definitely be driven by the weather. We don’t really know what to expect but we really want to showcase the beach and have fun. That’s what it’s all about!”

There will be five categories and the winner of each category will receive a cash prize. Here are all the details:

Guidelines & Registration Details
A registration table will be located between the beach and boat launch near the 117th Street entrance.

Registration will be day of only at 7am and building will last until Noon, at which point judging takes place. Participants will be provided with string to stake out a 20’x20’ build space.

Family Team: $10 per adult, $5 per child | Up to 3 adults (over 18), & 7 youths (under 18)
Adult Team: $10 per adult | Up to 10 people, all members over 18
Adult Solo: $10 | Age 18+
Youth Team: $5 per | Up to 10 people under 18
Youth Solo: $5 | Under 18

PLEASE NOTE: There will be no rain date. The event may be cancelled due to inclement weather. If cancelled, entrance fees will be returned to participants.

Rules & Rewards
A 3 person committee will judge against Theme, Creativity, & Artistic Merit. Participants must bring their own build equipment. Only sand and natural debris found on the beach may be used in the construction of the sculptures. Water may drawn from the Lake. No additional adhesives are permitted. Nothing that disrupts the ecological environment will be permitted. Decisions of judges are final.

Theme: Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea

1st Place Prizes:
Family Team: $100
Adult Team: $175
Solo Adult: $75
Youth Team: $100
Youth Solo: $50
2nd Place Prize (each category): Beach-themed baskets of lesser value
3rd Place Prize: Ribbon