Sand at Red Arrow Beach in Manitowoc will be transformed into unique sculptures this weekend.
The 3rd Annual Wisconsin Sand Sculpting Festival takes place on Saturday (July 20th) and Sunday (July 21st) with six semi-pro and many amateur sand sculptures coming to the Clipper City to construct their vision out of sand.
Tourism Director Courtney Hansen explained that sculptors won’t be the only people coming to town.
There will be influencers coming in, including a family from Travel Wisconsin and a couple from Chicago.
She calls it a great marketing tactic.
“They’re going to be putting together some really great assets after the fact that will highlight our community,” she noted. “And it’s that kind of content that, it lives on and they’re publishing it days or weeks after the event. They’re doing some in time but those recaps that really inspire people for the next year.”
The semi-pro sculptors will arrive in Manitowoc to start working on Friday before the event opens to the public on Saturday.
Unlike previous years, the sand sculpting festival is now free to the public, but the area where the sculpting takes place will be gated off.
“That is really to make sure that we’re keeping the sculptures safe at night, that there’s no damage occurring,” she explained. “So, it’s just easiest for us to make sure that area is gated so security has less to keep an eye on.”
However, while sand is being transformed into magnificent sculptures and designs, Hansen says the beach remains open for people to use.
She also tells SeehaferNews.com that the competition has grown, especially in the amateur category.
Hansen recalled, “This is the first year that it filled up completely and we had to close it ahead of the event taking place.”
Amateur winners will be crowned on Saturday, while the semi-pro division will continue until Sunday before being judged.
Hansen invites the public to pick up a token at the Manitowoc Sunrise Rotary booth to vote for the People’s Choice Award.
The Wisconsin Sand Sculpting Festival also includes a DJ, Badger Bingo, Food Trucks, and other vendors.
For more information, visit VisitManitowoc.com/events.
