Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
Arts & Entertainment
Photos: Winning Creations At Coney Island Sand Sculpting Contest
By
Scott Lynch
Published Aug 17, 2014
Modified Aug 17, 2014
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
Scott Lynch / Gothamist
View all 42
By
Scott Lynch
Published Aug 17, 2014
Modified Aug 17, 2014
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Dozens of sand sculptors of all ages and (let's be honest) all abilities carved up Brooklyn's beach by the boardwalk on Saturday for the 24th Annual Coney Island Sand Sculpting Contest.
Hosted this year by the Astella Development Corporation and Brooklyn Community Services, the competition attracted hundreds of spectators to the beach; there was music and corporate giveaways (branded sunglasses, cold beverages), kites flying overhead, lots of snacks, plenty of sun, and just a solid, summery, festive atmosphere.
The sand creations ranged from the expected (various creatures of the deep, Nathan's hot dogs, fairy tale castles and iconic NYC buildings), to the random (the Buddha, medieval weaponry, "Passed Out Dad") to the genuinely poignant (Hector Patino's "Man and Boy", inspired by the recent wave of unaccompanied children immigrants from Mexico and
Central America).
Most of the crews were in it for the fun—one family signed up on the spot and made a big foot "using only hands"—but plenty of folks brought serious sculpting hardware with them, from trowels and smoothers to feather dusters, straws, and industrial-looking water sprayers. There were also several straight-up pros here as well, ringers hired to do the sponsors' logos and such.
And the prizes are no joke: the winner in each of seven different categories took home an impressive $500. You can see all of the winners, and most of the runners up, in the photos above.
Tagged
beach
coney island
sand castle
sand castle contest
Scott Lynch
Photojournalist, food writer, preschool receptionist. Love NYC.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE arts-entertainment
Inside the hidden chamber that controls Lincoln Center's magnificent fountain
Gothamist went behind the scenes to learn how the NYC landmark keeps its majestic waters flowing.
By
Sonia Rao
Published Oct 23, 2026
In the algorithm age, NYC college radio DJs are still broadcasting the funky stuff
We dropped by WNYU to see what the next generation of radio DJs is up to. The answer is "Br00tal Beats To Study/Relax To."
By
James Ramsay
Arts & Entertainment
In the algorithm age, NYC college radio DJs are still broadcasting the funky stuff
We dropped by WNYU to see what the next generation of radio DJs is up to. The answer is "Br00tal Beats To Study/Relax To."
By
James Ramsay
A Queens prop shop shutters, bunnies find a home uptown, and more openings and closings
By
Hannah Frishberg
A new film invites you to eavesdrop on one of the greatest conversations in NYC history
By
Sonia Rao
The Knicks are NBA champions. Now they have to start dressing the part.
By
Sonia Rao
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .