Manitowoc will host the inaugural Wisconsin Sand Sculpting Festival at Red Arrow Park Beach July 14-16. Beginning on Friday, 10 competitive semi-pro sand sculptors will construct massive sculptures along the beach. The sculpting and weekend will conclude Sunday afternoon with an award ceremony where the winning sculptures will be named.
Since announcing their partnership on this one-of-a-kind, three-day event in early 2023, Visit Manitowoc and the Manitowoc Sunrise Rotary have been working closely with professional master sand sculptors, Bill and Marianne Knight of The Sand Lovers, to bring this event to life. “We’re ready to welcome the community and families from across the state to one of Manitowoc’s beautiful beaches for such a fun-filled weekend,” said Courtney Hansen, Visit Manitowoc’s Director of Tourism. “In the tourism industry, we know folks love a good Wisconsin festival, and we’re confident that the Wisconsin Sand Sculpting Festival will quickly become a can’t-miss one that brings visitors to Manitowoc each and every year.”
Throughout the weekend, festival attendees can watch and chat with the competing sand sculptors, participate in hands-on lessons and watch speed sculpting shows. On Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., both individuals and teams can compete in the 2023 Amateur Sand Sculpting State Championship. There are six categories – children up to age eight, children ages nine to twelve, families/groups, business teams, teens ages 13-17, and adults 18+. Registration will take place ahead of the amateur competition from 9:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. In addition to the sand sculpting events, there will be live performances, food trucks, beverages, and vendors each day.
Admission is $5 per day or $10 for a three-day weekend pass. Children two and under are free. While some vendors accept credit cards, only cash is accepted for admission.
For the full event schedule and additional details, visit https://www.visitmanitowoc.com/event/wisconsin-sand-sculpting-festival/6/.