Sand sculptures to transform Siesta Key during seventh Crystal Classic
Sculptors compete during the 2015 Siesta Key Crystal Classic. (Credit Mote Marine Laboratory)
Siesta Beach — declared top U.S. beach by TripAdvisor in 2015 — will be transformed by gorgeous, towering sand sculptures during the Nov. 11-15 Siesta Key Crystal Classic International Sand Sculpting Festival.
Watch 12 teams of sand sculptors from around the world compete during the seventh annual Crystal Classic, which takes place 10 a.m.-5 p.m. each day on Siesta Beach, 948 Beach Road, Siesta Key, Florida. The festival will open Nov. 11, winning sculptures will be declared during an awards ceremony at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13, and visitors can continue viewing the sculptures and vote for People's Choice until the festival closes at 5 p.m. Tuesday. People’s Choice results will appear at: www.facebook.com/SiestaKeyCrystalClassic
Tickets are available at the entrance: $10 for adults; $5 for children ages 5-17; $8 for veterans and ages 65+; free for children younger than 5.
During the Crystal Classic, visitors can enjoy live music from eight bands performing Friday-Sunday, free sand sculpting lessons & demos, “The Learning Curve” children's activity area with science and crafts, an amateur sand-sculpting competition on Nov. 12, a three-day Quick Sand speed-sculpting competition, and an array of food, drink and retail vendors.
Visitors can also meet Mote Marine Laboratory staff and learn about Mote’s 35-year conservation and research program for sea turtles nesting on Siesta Key and surrounding beaches.
The production of this year's festival is a partnership between the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce and Mote Marine Laboratory. Founded in 2010, The Crystal Classic is a collaborative community event that supports the cultural arts and celebrates beautiful Siesta Key Beach. It is the result of discussions between master sand sculptor and Siesta Key resident Brian Wigelsworth and representatives of the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, Sarasota County Parks and Recreation, Mote Marine Laboratory and Visit Sarasota County.
Crystal Classic details: www.siestakeycrystalclassic.com