Sand turns into ‘Treasures of the Sea’

The dirt was flying and the competition was stiff, but light-hearted, at the 46th annual Corona del Mar Sandcastle Contest on Sunday on the shore of Big Corona.

Put on by the Corona del Mar Chamber of Commerce, the event themed “Treasures of the Sea” pitted nearly 45 groups of sand sculptors — ranging in skills from family amateurs to practically professional — for the best 3-D masterpiece on the beach.

Each team was allowed up to eight builders, any gardening tool of their choice, one wheelbarrow and ladder, plus water cans, buckets and spray bottles. Construction got underway at 11 a.m. and everyone had to be done by 2 p.m. when the judging started.

Groups were given a 15-by-15 foot plot and the areas, sitting next to one another, stretched more than halfway down the shoreline.

Prizes were handed out in several categories for creative masterpieces earning recognition for the most humorous and best overall creations. Four cash awards were handed out to the top masters (architect business groups), businesses, families, and for youth groups and other clubs.

Just for participating, each team was also given four round trip tickets to Catalina courtesy of Catalina Passenger Service.

— Kelly Strodl