Wilfred Stijger of Holland was the top solo sand castle artist at the 2011 Quality Foods Canadian Open Sand Sculpting Competition in Parksville Sunday.
The sculptor’s A Way to A Man’s Heart earned top spot at $4,100 in prize money.
There was a surprising amount of people checking out the sand sculptures on the weekend, despite the rain.
World class competitors donned rain jackets and plastic bags to keep dry from the occasional downpour.
Competitors came from far flung places like The Netherlands, Latvia, Mexico, United States and three Canadian provinces.
The top team at the event was Victoria B.C.’s The Sandboxers, for their Jungle Jazz. They were also named sculptors’ choice for team. Sculptors’ choice soloist was Edith Van der Wetering of Holland, for her Connected.
The competition guarantees a spot at the world championship in Fort Myers Beach, Florida in November.
In second was Holland’s Edith Van der Wetering’s Connected. She took home $2,850 for her efforts.
In third among soloists was Quebec’s Marc Lepire and his I Will Avenge You ($2,250); fourth was A Lure by Victoria’s Fred Dobbs ($1,950) and in fifth was Melineige Beauregard of Quebec’s I Do.
Among the teams first place ($8,000) was awarded to the Sandboxers of Victoria for their Jungle Jazz.
Second places was the Orbital Sanders’ (Washington State) It’s So Real ($6,200). Third ($5,000) went to Cutting Edge from Parkwville, for their The Underside of Oceanside.
The event included two Sculptors’ Choice awards. Among soloists, it was won by Edith Van der Wetering (a $300 prize). Among teams, it was won by the Sandboxers.
From now until the end of the exhibition (August 14) visitors can vote for their favourite sculpture. Each visitor will receive a voting chip to select a favourite. Prizes will be awarded to winning sculptor(s) after the exhibition.
The 2011 sand carving competition will remain open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily until August 14. Most activities are free but they ask for a suggested donation of $2.50 per person to help keep the event running.