Los Fresnos News

Sandcastle Days 2019

Sandcastle Days held on SPI drew thousands of people. Photo: Tony Vindell/LFN

by Tony Vindell/LFN

Thousands of people enjoyed and admired the sculptures at the 32rd annual Sand Castle Day on SPI.

Among them were Los Fresnos residents Giselda Padilla, her daughter Samantha, and people from all the Rio Grande Valley and the

Lone Star State such as Glenn and Molly Walden of Fort Worth and Robert and Joyce Bradford of Georgetown.

The three-day event ended with award presentations for the top three master sculptors held on Saturday. Oct. 5, and with the people‘s choice award on the following day at Clayton’s Beach Bar & Event Venue.

Twelve sand castles were built for the contest made by the sand artists some of whom came from Texas, Michigan, New Hampshire, Canada and from as far as Holland.

Canadian Abe Waterman took the top spot, something which he has done several times in the last 12 years he has been competing at the Island.

“It takes a lot of practice to work on sand castles,” he said, when asked what makes a master sculptor. “You also have to have a lot of passion for it.”

Giselda, left, and Samantha Padilla said the sand sculptures have been getting bigger and better every year. Photo: Tony Vindell/LFN

On Saturday, Oct. 6, hundreds of people walked around the exhibit area to admire the sand castles.

“The quality of the workmanship is amazing,” said Joyce Bradford. “We have been coming to the Island on and off through the years but this our first time here.”

Giselda Padilla said this is the eighth or ninth time they made it to Sand Castle Days.

“Every year it gets bigger,” she said. “This year’s sculptures are impressive and have a lot more details.”