Don’t miss the LEAP Sandcastle contest at Ocean Beach this Saturday

The 2010 winning sculpture of a dragon from Rooftop Elementary School & Swinerton Builders

It’s time again for the annual LEAP Sandcastle Contest on Ocean Beach where teams of architects, engineers, contractors, designers, corporations and local elementary school students come together to build awesome sand sculptures.

Before the event, architects and builders meet with students in the classroom to develop ideas based on a set theme. Plans are finalized, clay models are shaped, team structure and schedules are defined, and tasks are assigned, all in preparation for the big day.

This year’s theme is “Sandblast” so expect lots of creative ideas! The event begins at 10am and teams have 4 hours to build their masterpieces on the shore of Ocean Beach. By the afternoon, the beach is host to a wonderful mix of creatures, structures and characters.

LEAP is a local nonprofit organization that provides quality arts education programs for students. Their art and architecture residency programs provide thousands of elementary and middle school students with hands-on learning experiences that enhance their overall education and prepare them for future success in school and in their communities.

Last year’s contest fundraised $222,000 for LEAP, making it possible for them to serve 6,500 students in over 27 schools across the Bay Area.

Competition is stiff in this contest. For two years running, Rooftop Elementary School and Swinerton Builders have taken the top prize. Their Chinese dragon was the hit of the beach last year.

The 28th Annual LEAP Sandcastle Contest (the largest in Northern California!) takes place from 10am until 4pm on Saturday. If you want to just see the finished sculptures, I recommend arriving around 2pm or 3pm. Be sure to bring your camera – it’s sandtastic!

Sarah B.