Wilfred Stijger of Holland was the top solo sand castle artists 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 Soloists: 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.
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.
More results and photos in the Tues., July 19 print edition of The News.