That's Sandtastic!

As if the arrival of September didn't bring with it enough wonderful things—75-degree days and the beginning of lobster season for starters—we islanders and even those visiting the island will have one more event to look forward to next month: The 16th Annual Sand Sculpture Competition. Held each year at Horseshoe Bay, the competition draws hundreds of artists hoping to showcase their creativity for sand castle glory and, a few bucks. The creation above is by a Florida-based team called Team Sandtastic, which by the looks of its historical recreation of Sir George Somers' fateful arrival to Bermuda's shores in 1609, has a pretty good shot of winning the top prize. But there's good news for the rest of you: Cash prizes will be given to the best amateur sand sculpture in the competition, in addition to a grand prize award of $1,000 (second place gets $500 and third place scores $250). The competition begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 3rd, and participants will be given a theme and a 12-by-12 foot building area. For more information—like how to enter—check out Bermuda Tourism's signature events. Time to dig out those pails and shovels!