TREASURE ISLAND: FLORIDA’S SAND SCULPTURE CAPITAL PRESENTS SANDING OVATIONS

A Florida annual celebrated sand sculpting competition returns to beautiful Treasure Island Beach in late November. SANDING OVATIONS spans two full weekends. November 20-23, with an encore weekend, November 29-30. The timing makes for a perfect Thanksgiving holiday escape. And best of all, admission is free.

SANDING OVATIONS is a must-see event with family fun, live music, food court, artisan marketplace and a showcase of amazing sand sculptures. Other highlights include a kite festival and an impressive fireworks display.

This year’s theme is “The Gallery of Sand. A celebration of creativity and color inspired by museum and gallery art.  But instead of hanging on walls, the 3D art masterpieces are built right into the beach. 

Sixteen years of “outSANDing” works of art and still going strong!

Treasure Island’s SANDING OVATIONS is now the largest masters’ sand sculpting competition in the Southeast United States.

A group of invited talented artists, world-class master sand sculptors, come from near and far to compete for the honors and cash prizes.

Each creation is mix of sand, water and imagination, taking days and even weeks of meticulous crafting to complete.

Check out this short featured news clip on Youtube for a glimpse of the 2023 event. Sadly, 2024 was cancelled due to a hurricane threat.

The official event website has a photo library that provides a visual perspective.

Follow the Sanding Ovations Master’s Cup on Facebook to see even more great images of sculptures from past years. Each intricate and often whimsical sculpture creatively follows a storied theme which changes annually.

Fast Facts:

• Florida was home to the world’s largest sand sculpture in 1985, Bluebeard’s Castle, a 37-foot-high creation. Florida Governor, Jeb Bush, later proclaimed Treasure Island as the Sand Sculpture Capital of Florida in 2001. The recognition led to the annual event competition.
• The art of sand sculpting has evolved in to big business. Sand Sculptors International is an organized group of professional artists available for commissioned works.
• Sanding Ovations founders and Treasure Island residents, Meredith Corson-Doubleday and Dan Doubleday, are both sand sculpting world champions. The dynamic duo made headlines in 2012 with their White House Sand Sculpture for the Republican National Convention.

And, for the question on everyone’s mind…What happens to the sculptures in rainy weather and after the festival comes to a close?

Light rain and wind do not really impact larger sand sculptures. Storms with heavy rain or bad downpours can create damage. Avid beachcombers like me get a holiday bonus; the sculptures remain on the beach until they are leveled in early January.

I recommend exploring the official Sanding Ovations website and related social media sites for more information to help you plan your weekend or extended stay.

Grab your sandals and sunscreen and get ready for a truly unique beach experience and endless photo ops. The countdown is on for an amazing treasure hunt adventure. What sculpture will capture your heart and vote?

Partner Hotel:  Bilmar Beach Resort

Parking & Shuttles: Parking can be limited and can be pricey. Taking advantage of the free shuttle service is the best option. Shuttle service operates daily from various locations. See MAP image for details.

Air Travel: Two airports serve the Treasure Island Beach area. Tampa International Airport (TPA) and St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE). Note: PIE is a smaller airport primarily served by the low-cost carrier Allegiant Air.

For more vacation planning assistance, check out the Visit St. Pete Clearwater official tourism website page.

An array of sand sculpture competitions can be found in Florida and beyond. Below are a just a few to add to your bucket list. Some in the most unlikely of places:

• The Siesta Key Crystal Classic – Florida
• The Virginia Beach Neptune Festival
• The American Sand Sculpting Competition – Ft. Myers Beach, FL
• The Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest – Oregon
• Texas Sandfest
• Hampton Beach Master Sand Sculpting Classic – New Hampshire
• Bluewater Sandfest – Michigan
• The Revere Beach International Sculpting Contest – Massachusetts

Photos courtesy of Sanding Ovations Master’s Cup & City of Treasure Island