Sand Castle Days at Isla Blanca Park on South Padre Island

There’s Magic in the Sand….

South Padre Island will harness some of that sandy magic as it gears up for the biggest and best Sand Castle Days in the event’s 22-year history – scheduled for Oct. 15-18, 2009 in Isla Blanca Park. Sandcastle Days is a not-for-profit annual event that showcases the unique art form of sand sculpture with the help of amateurs and professionals whose talents make the sand come to life. Committed to the preservation and restoration of our coastal shores, Sand Castle Days supports the integrity of our coastal environment.

The big news for 2009 is that SPI will host a record-breaking 24 master sculptors in the solo and new duo masters’ categories. Over $13,000 in prizes will attract the world’s best sand carvers from near (South Padre Island) and far (Holland) and all points in between (Canada, etc.) In addition to the three-day Masters competition, there will be adult, family, corporate and youth sandcastle contests on Saturday, including the prestigious Texas State Championship. All prizes are thanks to the generous support of our sponsors including the Town of South Padre Island as one of the town’s signature events.

Unlitter Yourself  Up Some Sculpture Materials 

The Unlitter Campaign is bringing a new contest to Sand Castle Days in 2009: a trash sculpture competition open to all. Picking up trash not only improves the immediate vicinity, but  also provides the unlitterer with FREE sculpture materials.  Make a free-standing sculpture from at least 70% found objects (i.e. TRASH) and you could win a cash prize! The trash sculptures will be displayed during the festival and judged by the public in three categories – Kids 12 and under, Kids 13-17, and adults. Winners will be announced during a “trashy fashion”  style show on Sunday.

Come for the Sandcastles — Stay for the

Magnificent sand and trash sculpture is just part of this 3-day event. As in years past, there will be free sandcastle instruction for kids of all ages, kite-flying demonstrations, the Pirate Bazaar (art, food and crafts) and the ever-popular South Texas Snowball Challenge presented by the SPI Polar Bears. Some new activities will be debuting at the 2009 festival including a Kids Craft Tent sponsored by the Coastal Current/Island Breeze, the afore-mentioned Trash Fashion Show and an on-line Photography contest. You can expect to hear lots of great home-grown music and catch appearances by Valley Proud’ Captain Crab and the Island Hula Dancers.  Don’t miss the Bongo Dogs perform Saturday evening after the awards ceremony at D.J. Lerma Pavilion.

You will also want to stop by the Environmental Awareness Tent to learn about our fragile coastal ecosystem by visiting our partners in protecting & preserving our coastal shores and it’s natural resources: Sea Turtle Inc., the SPI Dolphin Research & Sealife Center, The Unlitter Campaign, the Surfrider Foundation South Texas Chapter and Valley Proud.

How To Beat the Traffic (and the county park fee!)

“Ride your bike! And what a great time to park your RV or pitch a tent in Isla Blanca Park! ” is the suggestion of Amazin’ Walter – event director and founder of the Unlitter Campaign.

If you are coming from further away, you can now fly directly to Brownsville on American Airlines/American Eagle: the “official airline of Sandcastle Days” is offering a 10% discount on airfare to anyone coming to the island for Sand Castle Days. For details on this offer as well as contest schedule, entry information and sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.sandcastledays.com.

Sponsors for the 22nd annual Sand Castle Days Festival include the Town of South Padre Island, American Eagle/American Airlines, KGBT-TV4, Everyready/Banana Boat Suncare Products, L & F Distributors and the Island Breeze/Coastal Current.  Sponsorships and art vendor opportunities are still available by calling 956-433-9909.