Considered among the top 20 must-see seaside festivals in the world by American Express and included in USA Today\u2019s 10 best, this is indeed one of the world\u2019s most prominent sand-sculpting competitions to attend.<\/p>\n
It is also the focal point of activities that draw more than 200,000 visitors to the beautiful Embarcadero and Broadway cruise ship pier.<\/p>\n
As for the competition, it will be among 12 world master sculptors who will carve solo for four days to create museum-quality sculptures as high as 15 feet tall and weighing more than 20,000 pounds.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese are among the best sand artists in the world challenging some of the best in the U.S. In addition, three teams of four recreate the U.S. Open Sandcastle Competition that ran from 1980-2011. In all, there are 20 amazing sculptures,\u201d Gordon said.<\/p>\n Theme is \u2018Wonder\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\n This year\u2019s theme is \u201cWonder,\u201d which pays tribute to the Port\u2019s Wonderfront 2019 campaign, Joyce explained.<\/p>\n Sculptors will interpret this theme as they wish, from ephemeral ideas like \u201ccuriosity\u201d to the greatest wonders of the world, or even whimsical renditions of Stevie Wonder or Wonder Woman.<\/p>\n Gordon said it also lets patrons view the sculptures up close.<\/p>\n The couple has been involved in the sand event since 2006 but took it over and madeit their own in 2012.They renamed it and moved the event to the pier from ImperialBeach.<\/p>\n Talented artists<\/strong><\/p>\n As for the sculptors, there are only about 50 in the world who create at this level and get paid to compete (this year\u2019s prize and appearance money in San Diego is $60,000), Gordon said.<\/p>\n \u201cMany started out in sand because they wanted to test their ideas before doing permanent sculpture like marble,\u201d he said. \u201cBut they stuck with sand because they liked it and the fact that it is temporary art. Once it\u2019s done, it\u2019s pretty much destroyed and they just move onto wherever they are going \u2026Brussels, Korea, Paris, they are a veryclose group and travel together and get a huge kick out of it.\u201d<\/p>\n Some of the world master sand artists who have participated in the event in the past praised it.<\/p>\n \u201cThe sand here on this pier in San Diego is incredible. It holds together so well, and it is so strong; you can do anything with it. Right here is where I make the most daring designs and push the sand to incredible shapes that would be impossible anywhere else. On top of that we have some of the world\u2019s best sculptors making their best works. Every year, I look forward to seeing the amazing sculptures of this competition,\u201d said Thomas Koet, of Melbourne, Florida.<\/p>\n \u201cSand sculpture is a test\u2014it can flow like a dance or feel like a wrestling match. It is an exhilarating, physical, and creative endeavor; a wonderful process and an awe-inspiring product; a means of calm focus, and a cause of frustration. Remember\u2014 no magic, no tricks\u2014 just effort and desire,\u201d added Dan Belcher of St. Louis.<\/p>\n \u201cCreating with my peers in San Diego and all over the world provides me with continuous possibilities to learn,\u201d said Dmitry Klimenko of St. Petersburg, Russia.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen my hands touch the material, when my heart opens to give life, when my head is illuminated by light, I become the co-creator of the universe. An artist is one who spiritualizes matter,\u201d said Melineige Beauregard of Montreal, Quebec.<\/p>\n More art<\/strong><\/p>\n In additionto the sand sculptures, there will be the annual Dimensional Art Exposition where artists from as far as New Mexico and Montana exhibit and sell one-of-a-kind works of art. Visitors will be able to check out 2,000 items including hand-made clothing and accessories, wood carvings and metal designs, beautiful gourds, glass art, jewelry, quilled greeting cards, ceramics and much more to buy and take home.<\/p>\n Transportation and parking<\/strong><\/p>\n According to event planners, new transportation and user-friendly parking options make getting to and from the event easy. MTS trolleys and buses, the North County Coaster and Amtrak trains all take event-goers within two blocks of the Broadway Pier. The Coronado Ferry disembarks next door! Lyft and Uber drop attendees at the festival\u2019s front door.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re driving, you may park at the USS Midway or B Street pier, within two blocks of the event, or just across Harbor Drive at the Lane Field hotels or Windham Bayside. There are other lots available nearby, including the Waterfront Park\/County Administration Building on west A Street. On-street parking is free on Sunday and Monday \u2014 no meter feeding.<\/p>\n You may also park remotely and enjoy a ride along the bay on the Port of San Diego\u2019s Waterfront Shuttle. It runs every 20 minutes in a loop from Sheraton Marina across from the airport on the north to Harbor Drive Bridge near theConvention Center on the South. Cost is $3. More info at portofsandiego.org\/shuttle<\/p>\n More 2019 show features<\/strong><\/p>\n San Diego Seals lacrosse stars will make special appearances to take photos with fans and sign autographs.<\/p>\n An expanded kid zone features sandcastle building lessons from master sculptors, and rides such as European bungie, bubble fun, bounce houses and more!<\/p>\n Families can picnic on the bay with food and drink from over a dozen gourmet food trucks and vendors including: Cousins Maine Lobster, Eat Your Heart Out, The Habit Burger Grille, Matheny\u2019s Wagon Works, Lolita\u2019s Mexican Food, Sophia\u2019s Kitchen, Pomodoro Rosso, Kettle Masters Kettle Korn, Cruising Cones, Goodness Baked Cookie Co., Old School Shave Ice, and Maui Wowi.<\/p>\n Live entertainment from bands paying tribute to the Beatles, Beach Boys, Bob Dylan, Journey and other greats are also scheduled, as well as special appearances by Elvis on Saturday and Sunday nights!<\/p>\n![\"For](\"https:\/\/sandiegodowntownnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/13a-Dan_Belcher-Liberation_-_CS_foto.jpg\")
![\"For](\"https:\/\/sandiegodowntownnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/33-Victory_-_Tom_Koet_-_2018_-_CS_foto.jpg\")