Views of the Neighborhood

~ John W. Howell

Texas Sandfest

Next week is SandFest which is a big event here in Port Aransas. The event’s mission is to raise money for local charities. Founded in 1997, Texas SandFest is a three-day event that attracts sand sculptors from around the globe. The event is the largest sand sculpting fest and competition in the nation and brings over 100,000 guests to the beaches of Port Aransas. The free event is organized into competitions for all experience levels to include both amateur and professional sculptors. Guests can participate or simply wander through the incredibly unique artistic displays.

I will be giving you a look at the festival next week but thought I would provide a behind the scene preview

This first photo shows the kind of heavy equipment needed to prepare the beach for the sculptures. They are forming piles which will be turned into works of art.

Texas SandFest

Here is a long view of what will become the central sculpture. It will depict the theme as well as honor the sponsors. The three poles act as supports.

Here is one of the artists hard at work. The person in blue is spraying water on the sand to keep it moist.

A close up of one of the flags that will be on the sculpture. This is the famous battle flag from the battle of  Battle of Gonzales during the Texas Revolution.

A little more detail showing the oil heritage of Texas

I left this shot in so that you can see the proximity of the sculpture to the Gulf Mexico.

It takes a lot of water to keep the sand from blowing away. Here is one of the hook-ups to service some artists.

Speaking of artists here is the person known as The Glue Man. His job is to spray a glue-like mixture on the sculpture. This binds the sand and acts a finish coat to keep the work in place.

Sine the festival attracts 100,000 people there needs to be quite a few food trucks to provide food and refreshments. The photo below will give you an idea of what they look like.

Here is a holding area for the food trucks. Notice the RVs which serve to housed the vendors for the week.

I hope you enjoyed the preview and I’m looking forward to showing you the finished result next week.

49 thoughts on “Views of the Neighborhood”

  1. What an extraordinary event! Since I have zero talent at sculpturing anything, I can’t wait till next week’s photos. Fingers crossed for perfect weather…. 🙂

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  3. It sounds like a fun event. I’d certainly be watching this part. Thanks for the heavy equipment photo. Nachos, lemonade and funnel cakes? Versatility indeed.

    Looking forward to the results, John.

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  5. Applesauce! Those are surprisingly detailed preparations. A fun and interesting post John. Much more entertaining than just photos of sculptures. Will you be able to see any of them from your place?
    (Hey, met a new contact in TX this weekend. Not the gulf though. San Antonio.) Happy Easter to you too. Hugs.

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  12. Three years ago, I did a post on an indoor sand sculpture at the mall in Biloxi, MS, so your post today brought back some happy memories. It’s fascinating what sand and water can become in the hands of experts! Looking forward to seeing their sculptures next week, John!

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    1. Thanks Paul or Russ (or both) The photo was a winner in my quarterly poll where I ask my readers fro vote on there favorite. The winner becomes my header. That shot was taken during a stormy period from the beach on the gulf of Mexico. iPhone 6SE was the camera. Next week should be interesting. 😀

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  22. I am not surprised the photo won… it’s beautiful. Really looking forward to the sand sculptures… feeling like a kid before Christmas!

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