By Carla Land & Logan Hawkes
While South Padre Island is host to many special festivals throughout the year, there is no doubt that SandCastle Days has become one of its' signature events. Now in it's 24th year it has found a new home for 2011. A special place for a special event and with the cooperation of the newly developed Hilton Garden Inn, La Quinta Inn and Suites, and Claytons Beach Resort Bar & Grill this segment of prime, pristine beach front property is sure to be a hit with annual festival visitors, as well as newcomers. These three properties are among the newest hotel property developments on the island and have incorporated high standards of design, as well as creating the ultimate ambiance one would expect and desire for a beach getaway.
 This location is also conviently close to the South Padre Island Convention Center, where free parking will be available Wed. - Fri. and Sat. - Sun. parking will be $3. There will be free shuttle service provided to and from the event from the Convention Center. For folks staying at other fine locations on the island just hop on South Padre Islands Free bus, "The Wave", which will be running constantly throughout the event.
It's hard to believe that two plus decades ago with a few locals scratching around in the sand trying to extend "the season." Sand Castle Days has matured and grown up to be an important event for the island and its economy in what is traditionally a slow season for any coastal community. The event has entertained hudreds of thousands of people in the last 24 years creating art and memories on the beaches of South Padre Island, Texas.
Once again Sand Castle Days, Inc., brings World Class professional sand sculptors to the island competing for thousands of dollars in prize money in a three day sand frenzy. Twelve Master Sandsculptors will shovel, etch, mold, carve and dig their way to fame and fortune starting Thurs. Oct.19, with judging taking place Saturday after 4 p.m. The opening day Wed. Oct. 18th brings all the scupltors together to create a massive sandcastle billboard which will welcome all visitors to the event and honor all the sponsors who make this event possible.
This years sculptors hail from such exotic locales as Singapore, Netherlands, Canada, while the U.S. will be represented by sculptors from California, Ohio, Florida, Missouri and of course our very own "South Padre Island Master Sand Sculptors", Lucinda "Sandy Feet" Wierenga and "Amazin Walter" McDonald.
 This event has become a family tradition and corporate bonding event for hundreds of folks here in the Rio Grande Valley with many contestant participants moving up in skill from the lessons provided from the events experienced instructors down through the years. This year for four fun-filled days instructors will teach lessons for beginners and give tips and hints to competing amateur teams seeking to improve and practice their skills - at no charge. See www.sandcastledays.com for a complete schedule.
While we are all enamored by the master sculptors, it is perhaps the amateur division that draws hordes of shovel-toting budding sand artists to the beautiful sands of South Padre Island to show off their sand sculpting talents. Amateur divisions include the Texas State Championship for advanced artists only, Family & Friends Division, Kids & Castles under 12, Teens & Castles 13 -16. These events are scheduled for Sat. and early registration begins an hour before each event, check the website for details.
Visitors will also enjoy many art vendors and area non-profit groups displays, like Sea Turtle Inc. which uses the event to raise awareness of their ongoing wildlife efforts. For those that work up a little hunger while strolling through the sand there will be beer, drink and water tents as well as great meals and snacks available at Clayton’s Resort Beach Bar and Grill and the Hilton Garden Inn. Be sure to check out the daily luch specials for $5.95 at the Great American Grill inside the Hilton Garden Inn.
While all the sand carving activity ends at 4 p.m. on Saturday the festival is far from over, starting at 5:30 the award ceremony will begin at Claytons on the Beach where the prized people choice awards for the Master Sculptors and Amateur Division winners are announced. Then as the sun begins to set and the moon begins to rise the fun gets under way with the new evening event, "Saturday Night Lights" at Claytons on the beach with live music and sandcastle viewing under the starry sky, $5 admission goes to the funding of the 2012 SandCastle Days festival.
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