Third Annual Wildwood Crest Sand Sculpting Festival set for Saturday, July 11th

Matt Long, an original cast member of the Travel Channel show Sand Masters,
is hard at work on the sculpture he created last year for the
Wildwood Crest Sand Sculpting Festival.

PRESS RELEASE

Grab your buckets and shovels, head to the beach and get ready for some fun at the third annual Wildwood Crest Sand Scupting Festival, scheduled for Saturday, July 11.

Join hundreds of beach lovers at this family friendly event, which includes a FREE amateur sand sculpting contest, live music, magic show, beach games and more.

The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. alongside the Wildwood Crest Beach Pier at Heather Road. Registration for the contest is free. 

There will be live music throughout the contest starting with local band Twelve:01 performing progressive and classic rock followed by headliners The Mango Men, with their energized and “sand-castle-inspiring” summer-themed party music.

The event will also feature a magic show by regionally renowned magician Bruce Newman, who has entertained at parties, festivals, corporate events and more throughout the Delaware Valley for years.
The contest is organized in conjunction with Can You Dig It Sand Tools and directed by internationally known sand sculptor Matt Long. 

Long is a regular competitor at master competitions, including the World Championships of Sand Sculpting, and is an original cast member of the Travel Channel Show Sand Masters. Long’s career in sand sculpting began right here in South Jersey at amateur events like this one.

The third annual Wildwood Crest Sand Sculpting Festival is to
the public and features live music on the beach at Heather Road.

Contest registration for the third annual Wildwood Crest Amateur Sand Sculpting Festival will begin onsite at 9 a.m. on the day of the event. Sand pits will be assigned, with carving starting at 10 a.m. sharp. 

To ensure a level playing field, the contest will have seven separate divisions ranging from youth solo/groups to adult solo and teams. New to this year’s contest is the creation of a pro/am division for more experienced adult sculptors.

Sculptures will be judged on creativity, execution, composition and overall presentation. Prizes and awards will be presented to first through third places in each division. There will also be a People’s Choice award for Best On The Beach, with the winner voted by spectator ballot. 

One of the artists at last year’s Wildwood Crest Sand Sculpting Festival
explains his work to some of the crowd gathered at the Heather Road beach.

“We’ve been overwhelmed with how successful this event has become in just its first two years and we’re really looking forward to this year’s festival,” Long said. “Wildwood Crest is not just one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever been to, but it also has some of the finest beach sand in the world for sculpting.” 

Prior to contest day, on Thursday and Friday, July 9-10, Long will be carving one of his masterful castles at the site, providing an opportunity for those interested to stop by, ask questions and pick up some professional tricks and tips.  

For further information, email Long at matt@canyoudigit.com , log on to visitwildwoodcrest.com or call 609- 523-0202. 

Information is also available on the Wildwood Crest Amateur Sand Sculpting Contest page on Facebook.

The third annual Wildwood Crest Sand Sculpting Festival is
scheduled for Saturday, July 11 at the Heather Road beach.