Fergus Mulvaney of Ireland puts on the finishing touches of his entry. Photo by Chris Stone
Fergus Mulvaney of Ireland puts on the finishing touches of his entry. Photo by Chris Stone

Sand sculptors from around the world will participate in the U.S. Sculpting Challenge on Labor Day Weekend. In preparation for the event, over 300 tons of sand were packed onto the ‘B’ Street Pier in Downtown San Diego.

Some sculptors have described it as the most creative atmosphere in the world, with sandcastles stretching nearly 1,000 feet into the bay below a stunning San Diego skyline.

For four days, the best U.S. sculptors will face master competitors from Italy, Ireland, the Netherlands, Portugal, Canada and exotic places like Latvia and Singapore. A prestigious panel of judges will determine potential winners who may earn their share of $60,000 worth of prize money.

As a shout out to the Summer Olympic Games set in Rio 2016, there is an interactive ‘Road to Rio’ exhibit included along with the other displays. Three different olympic sports are portrayed by the sand sculpture: a swimmer, a runner and a soccer player.

None of the majestic art sculptures are for sale, as they each weigh at least 10 tons, but there are plenty of other purchasable works of art. This includes jewelry, hand-made clothing, wall-art, fabric and gemstones. There is also a beer and wine garden, and gourmet food trucks with over 100 kinds of delicious choices for food lovers. Live musical performances will also provide entertainment for festival goers.

Some of the proceeds from the event will support local children’s educational charities. The San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts, Young Audiences of San Diego/Arts for Learning, It’s All About the Kids Foundation and the Maritime Museum’s Children’s Educational program are among the charitable sources supported by the event.

The sand castle exhibition goes from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday through Monday, with extended hours until 9 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets range from $6 to $19.

John Gowdy makes finishing touches on his Kaitlyn Jenner sculpture. Photo by Chris Stone
A sculpture by Susanne Ruseler of the Netherlands is completed. Photo by Chris Stone
Dan Belcher from St. Louis finishes his entry. Photo by Chris Stone
Fergus Mulvaney of Ireland puts on the finishing touches of his entry. Photo by Chris Stone
An angel of the Olympics sculpture by Ilya Filimontsev of Russia is an entry. Photo by Chris Stone
Sculpture by Melineige Beauregard of Canada. Photo by Chris Stone
Melineige Beauregard of of Canada works on her sculpture. Photo by Chris Stone
Sculptor Kirk Rademaker of Stinson Beach puts the final touches on his entry. Photo by Chris Stone
Sculptors prepare the foundation for a sand sculpture for the U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge. Photo by Chris Stone
JOOheng Tan from Singapore prepares this year’s entry. Last year he won first place for his sculpture called ‘Seed’. Photo by Chris Stone
Ilya Filimontsev from Russia has been sculpting since 2005. Photo by Chris Stone
John Gowdy, born in New Jersey and now from Italy, prepares his entry, “Bruce Jender Call Me Caitlyn”. Photo by Chris Stone
Fergus Mulvaney of Ireland puts finishing touches on his sculptor. Photo by Chris Stone
A sculpture by Sue McGrew of Tacoma, Washington. Photo by Chris Stone
A sculpture by JOOheng Tan, who won the competition last year with his “Seed” entry. Photo by Chris Stone