The annual Neptune Festival held at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront marks the end of summer and offers visitors and local spectators many activities throughout a three day weekend such as live performances, vendors and a variety of performances. This year, however is special as it marks the 50th anniversary of the event.
And while there are events and sights to see for anyone and everyone over the three day weekend, one of the main attractions is the world class International Sand sculpting Championship that never fails to attract large crowds.
According to the Neptune Festival’s main website, the Sand sculpting Championship has been the signature event of Virginia Beaches Neptune Festival since it began in 1974, 50 years ago. Furthermore, the Sand Sculpting features sculptors from 15 countries around the world and has grown to become the most prestigious event of its kind.
Although the main attractions happen this weekend, the sand sculpting competition lasts for ten days. Sculptors work for three days prior to the weekend in a closed tent to perfect their works of art. The tents open to the public on Friday, but unlike other events and attractions that end on Sunday, the sand sculptures remain open to public during specific hours throughout the entirety of next week.
According to the Neptune Festival site, last year’s sand sculpting champion was Karlis Ile from Latvia, who created the sand rendition “Castle of Dreams”, which essentially was a metaphor describing how small dreams grow and turn into big dreams; big dreams create new small dreams that go on endlessly and the castle of dreams grows bigger and stronger. Essentially, the artist’s creation was stating that dreams are also the basis for new goals, motivation and hope.
Important information to know prior to the Neptune Festival’s Sand Sculpting competition:
- Date of Festival – Friday, September 27 – Sunday October 6
- Sculpting Hours – Monday, September 23- Wednesday, September 25 (Tent closed to public)
- Location – 6th – 8th street (Oceanfront)
- Large tent will house 22 sculptures created by 12 solo and 10 doubles teams
- Sculptures will compete for largest prize purse awarded in the country
- Admission – $7 per person (cash only) – children 12 and under are free
