WHAT: 2nd Annual OC Sandfest
WHEN: Aug. 24-30
WHERE: North Division Street, Ocean City, Md.
Due to a tremendous outpour of excitement after last year’s event, the OC Sandfest will be returning to Ocean City, Md. Aug. 24-30.
The event is brought to the resort town by the Ocean City Mayor and Council, along with the Tourism Advisory Board. According to Meredith Herbert, event coordinator, the event came about last summer when the town was looking for something to do once kids started to go back to school. OC Sandfest was designed to get families down to the beach before summer ended.
OC Sandfest features giant sand sculptures along the Ocean City boardwalk, from North Division to 4th streets, along with special family attractions and activities. There will be five sculptors present. The sculptors will be creating 10 sand sculptures throughout the event. Herbet says it usually takes a day for two sculptors to do each sculpture.
“We were able to partner up with Team Sandtastic out of Florida and they helped us get some crews together,” Herbert said.
This year’s feature sculptors include Dean Arscott from St. Petersburg, Fla., Daniel Belcher from St. Louis, Mo., Patrick Harsch from Clearwater, Fla., Larry Hudson from Tampa, Fla.,Stephen Schomaker from St. Louis, Mo. and George Zaizer from Ocean City, Md.
Beginning Aug. 24, spectators can stop by as master champion sand sculptors transform the smooth crystal beach sand into massive works of art. Sand sculptures will remain on display through Aug. 30 along the Ocean City Boardwalk from North Division to 4th streets. This week also provides free family fun events and activities including sand sculpting demonstrations, lessons and competitions.
“Each morning sculptors start with giant piles of sand and the best part of the event is seeing the works of art these guys come up with,” Herbert said. “They will be doing different ones from last year.”
According to Herbert, based on feedback the group has received from phone calls, emails and social media, people come specifically to Ocean City to watch these sculptures come to life.
Exclusive Interview with Sand Sculptor Dan Belcher
How long have you been sand sculpting and how did you get started?
“I’ve been doing it since 1990. I actually got started in Ocean City, Md. I volunteered there for a huge project, it was actually a 60-foot sand sculpture. I’ve always loved playing in sand since I was younger. I attended a conference when I was in college, I met a sand sculptor and it just blew me away. I kept in contact with the guy and that’s how I started doing it.”
Where have you traveled to build sand sculptures?
“I’ve actually traveled all over the world. I’ve been places in the U.S. but I’ve also been to Europe, Asia, the Carribean, the Middle East, you name it. This job will take you anywhere.”
Is there a camaraderie between all the sand sculptors?
“I get to meet people from all over . I see a lot of people I’ve worked with before at several events and jobs which is great. I’ve been working with Sandtastic for quite some time now and we’ve all been together for quite some time.”
What are you most looking forward to about this year’s OC Sandfest?
“I’m just excited to get back to Ocean City and be with my friends and carve some sand.”
What is the hardest part about sand sculpting?
“Some sands cooperate very well, some sands do not, it really depends and that’s the hardest part. Ocean City has wonderful sand to carve, but once the moisture goes away theres a lot of upkeep so we really have to work with that. The benefits outweigh the negatives!”
Check out coverage from the Rehoboth Beach Holds 37th Annual Sandcastle and Sculpture Contest.
Event Schedule
Sunday, Aug. 23
9:30 p.m., 10 p.m. & 10:30 p.m. Beachlights- See 3 different fun filled Beachlights Shows featuring lasers, lights, special effects, music and more displayed on a five-story giant beach ball
Monday, Aug. 24
9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sand Sculptures- Join the group down town between North Division and 4th streets to watch professional artists create exiting sand sculptures on the beach
10 p.m.- Beach Fireworks
Tuesday, Aug. 25
9 a.m.-6 p.m.- Sand Sculptures
10 p.m.- Beach Fireworks
Wednesday, Aug. 26
9 a.m.-6 p.m.- Sand Sculptures
Thursday, Aug. 27
9 a.m.-6 p.m.- Sand Sculptures
9 a.m.- 10 a.m.- Family Sand Sculpting Contest Registration- Bring your family and sculpting tools, prizes will be awarded in each category
9 a.m.- 10 a.m.- Sand Sculpting 101- Championship Sand Sculptors will be teaching a sand sculpting class to learn the basics of how to build sand sculptures the way professionals do
10 a.m. – Family Sand Sculpting Competition- Bring your family and sculpting tools, prizes will be awarded in each category
Noon- Awards
Friday, Aug. 28
9 a.m.-6 p.m.- Sand Sculptures
8 p.m.-11 p.m.- Sand Sculpture Illuminations- Sand Sculptures will be illuminated along the boardwalk
Sat., Aug. 30
9 a.m.-11 p.m.- Sand Sculptures on Display
9 a.m.- 10 a.m.- Sand Sculpting 101- Championship Sand Sculptors will be teaching a sand sculpting class to learn the basics of how to build sand sculptures the way professionals do
2 p.m.- 3 p.m.- Hands in the Sand Demonstration- Watch the Sand Sculptures as they share some tricks of the trade when creating sand art
8 p.m.-11 p.m.- Sand Sculpture Illuminations- Sand Sculptures will be illuminated along the boardwalk
Sun. Aug. 30
9 a.m.-11 p.m.- Sand Sculptures on Display
8 p.m.-11 p.m.- Sand Sculpture Illuminations- Sand Sculptures will be illuminated along the boardwalk
9:30 p.m., 10 p.m. & 10:30 p.m. Beachlights- See 3 different fun filled Beachlights Shows featuring lasers, lights, special effects, music and more displayed on a five-story giant beach ball
