Dates of Event: June 16-18
Location: 180 Ocean Blvd, Hampton Beach, New Hampshire (an hour north of Boston)
Parking: There are about 100 to 200 parking spots in front of the beach – you pay at a parking metered machine. Or, you can find parking at parking lots on Ashworth St. The prices for parking vary depending on the season or month or when there is a special event such as the sand sculpting competition. In April, metered parking costs $1 and hour and it costs $2 an hour from May until Nov. Free parking begins Nov. 4. Parking on Ashworth St. can vary depending on the time and day during “beach season”. During my visit, parking was $10 in the morning but was increased to $15 in the afternoon for all day parking (until 2 a.m.) and $20 all day parking during the weekends in the summer.
Cost: The beach does not have an admission fee.
Dog Friendly: Yes, but not on the beach (at least not during beach season)
This time of year past 16 years, people flock to Hampton Beach to show off their sand sculpting skills. It may seem like child’s play. But, these are no run of the mill sand castles. They really are works of art.
It takes a long time to construct these complex sculptures. The photos below show the progression of the works of art. It’s hard to believe some of the photos of the works of art are the same as the final work of art. Some of these photos do not show the sculptures in their final phase.
“Emerge” by David Andrews (third place)
“Rising From The Abyss” by Guy-Oliver Deaveau of Quebec (first place and Sculptor’s Choice)
“She Loves Me” by Justin Gordon of Massachusetts (People’s Choice Award winner)
“Dada Read” by Carl Jara of Ohio (4th place)
“Let It Be Magnificent” by Mélineige Beauregard of Montreal
“Phoenix Rising” by Karen Jean Fralich of Toronto (5th place)
“Selfie In Sand” by Damon Langlois of British Columbia
“Hunters Of The Sky” by Michel Lepire of Quebec
“All Together Now” by Abe Waterman of Prince Edward Island (2nd place)
“It’s About Time” by Greg J. Grady of New Hampshire
There were also some sculptures that weren’t part of the contest like this sand castle (what would a sand sculpture contest be without one?) and a sand sculpture designed for the sponsors of the event.
There were some other cool things at the event like Ronald McDonald (ok, I said some cool things) and a cool car that was being raffled off.
Dogs love the sand sculpting competition also.
Tuckerman, a 9 year old Golden Retriever, looked like a teddy bear!
Caspian, whose name is made up of the first letter of his guardian’s relatives, is a 4 year old Siberian Husky. As you can see, he loved to be petted.
Minnie got dressed up for the event!
Lola’s smile was infectious.
Becca, a terrier mix who turned one in May, wanted to play in the sand.
As if one Burnese Mountain dog wasn’t enough, Brooksie, pitcured above, (3 years old) ran into his friend Guiness (5 years old)
Guiness is on the left and Brooksie is on the right in this photo.
As you can see from the photos, the sand sculpting competition is a big hit with both people and dogs!
Although they all look great, I liked the “She Loves Me” sculpture (the third one listed in the photos) best. What is your favorite sculpture?
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June 20th, 2016 at 4:38 am
Talent and patience definitely on display. Great captures, yours. Appreciate your sharing the event and art.
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June 20th, 2016 at 3:43 pm
Yes, it is a labor of love I am sure. The winner “only” got $3,000 (it seems like he deserves more than that for all that work) but a lot of publicity and they would probably do it just for the fun of it. Thank you, Eric!
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June 20th, 2016 at 11:32 am
These artists never cease to amaze me! Glad the dogs enjoyed them too.
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June 20th, 2016 at 3:41 pm
It is amazing how they can do this! Yes, it’s fun for the entire family, even those with 4 legs! ( :
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June 20th, 2016 at 12:16 pm
Awesome! I love these kind of events 😀
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June 20th, 2016 at 12:55 pm
I know! These artists are so talented! Plus, it was a beautiful beach day. It was such a good time! Thank you for stopping by and commenting!
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June 20th, 2016 at 7:31 pm
Incredible sand sculptures! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
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June 20th, 2016 at 7:57 pm
Thank you! It was my pleasure! They are amazing to watch.
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June 20th, 2016 at 9:37 pm
Let It Be Magnificent looked incredibly difficult with the extended arch (past 180°) plus creating all the smaller circles to ‘lighten’ the load on the arch, maybe. It was my favorite. These guys would always be on the beach when I was small, blew my mind.
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June 20th, 2016 at 10:40 pm
Yeah it’s amazing, especially considering they are only supposed to use a limited set of tools. Are you from the New Hampshire area? If so, you’re lucky! I love it there.
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June 20th, 2016 at 10:33 pm
Sand sculpting is amazing–great photos!
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June 20th, 2016 at 10:37 pm
Yes, they are all so talented! Thank you. It was hard jostling for position to photograph among the crowd. Although it was much easier when I went back early the in the morning on the second day.
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June 20th, 2016 at 10:45 pm
🙂
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June 20th, 2016 at 11:34 pm
Reblogged this on By the Mighty Mumford and commented:
THE TELLING OF…IS BUT HALF THE WONDER OF SEEING! A COUPLE OF THE DOGS LOOK LIKE SCULPTED SAND, TOO!
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June 21st, 2016 at 12:08 am
We go almost every year because no matter how many times you see the results of these talented craftsmen and women you are still amazed. 🙂
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June 21st, 2016 at 2:18 am
They are so talented! I think I may make it an annual trip as well! Thank you.
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June 21st, 2016 at 2:53 am
I have always loved sand sculptures. i will have to go there next year to see this. Nice pictures!
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June 21st, 2016 at 3:14 am
Maybe I’ll see you there next year Heather! 🙂 Thank you!
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June 21st, 2016 at 4:04 am
Amazing! Hard to pick a favorite!
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June 21st, 2016 at 12:54 pm
I know! I keep going from one to the another when I try to pick a favorite!
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June 21st, 2016 at 8:38 am
One word…WOW
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June 21st, 2016 at 5:23 pm
Wow indeed! It’s even more impressive in person!
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June 21st, 2016 at 8:52 pm
Hell if I could build sandcastles like this my life would be complete. I have always loved sandcastles x
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June 22nd, 2016 at 2:42 am
You and me both! I would love to make sand sculptures all day long!
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June 22nd, 2016 at 12:13 pm
We live five mins walk from a beach. Wonderful places of escape .
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June 22nd, 2016 at 10:10 pm
These are wonderful. Wish I had been there.
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June 22nd, 2016 at 11:39 pm
They are remarkable! I hope you do get to go sometime! ( : Thank you.
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June 24th, 2016 at 2:38 am
Those sculptures are amazing! I can’t even imagine. Is this anywhere near the Casino Ballroom? That’s about my only experience with Hampton Beach. 🙂
And the dogs! The terrier mix puppy is so adorable and those Burnese Mountain dogs are gorgeous!
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June 24th, 2016 at 2:50 am
Yes! It s located almost right across the street from the Hampton Beach Casino. The sculptures are staying up until July 4 I believe. So, you still have time to see. There were so many cute dogs there! Thank ypu, Den!
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June 30th, 2016 at 3:46 am
I really don’t know that I would have the patience for this. Some really amazing work and talent involved! My favorites are Let it be Magnificent and Phoenix Rising, but She Loves me is cool as well.
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July 5th, 2016 at 1:04 am
There were so many amazing works. So hard to choose. Thanks!
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July 4th, 2016 at 12:05 pm
I guess the little bucket castle and moat wouldn’t cut it here
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July 4th, 2016 at 12:48 pm
Yeah you better bring a crane 🙂
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July 4th, 2016 at 10:19 pm
Wow! Great photos. It is hard to pick a favorite, but I am going to go with “Phoenix Rising”. But I also like the time one. But if I were there I might pick a completely different one!
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July 4th, 2016 at 10:29 pm
Thank you! Yes you really do have to see them in person to really appreciate them!
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July 7th, 2016 at 1:34 am
Incredible talent on display. Glad you posted this!
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July 7th, 2016 at 1:36 am
Yes they are incredible! Thank you!
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July 16th, 2016 at 12:07 am
Welcome and thank you for following my blog. Enjoying New England for another week and love the sand sculpture pixs. .
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July 16th, 2016 at 1:18 am
Thank you! I look forward to reading your posts!
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