April Swenson, Managing Broker at
Coldwell Banker Ocean Shores Brokers

June 27-28, 2008 ~ The annual Five Star Sand & Sawdust Festival was held over the weekend and it was a great success. Saturday was a gorgeous day with temperatures reaching in the high 60's and sunny skies for the Sandcastle competitions. There were some very detailed and awesome works of sand art. The winner of the Master's Division was "Sweet Dreams," which was a little girl's bedroom and the monsters that come out after bedtime. The 3rd Place winner had a similar theme. The 2nd Place winner was "Temple of Bloom," which was a dilapidated African Temple. The Intermediate Division included "The Little Mermaid" and "My Christmas Wish List." The Beginner’s Division included a "Smiling Octopus," the "South American Temple," "The Incredible Hulk," and many others. The Woodcarving competitions produced many pieces of art, including the fun and very noticeable "Surf’s Up" ~ Big Foot going to catch a wave. The Quick Carve competition is one of the events in which the carvers have 1 hour and 15 minutes to create a piece of art and the winner is whoever brings in the most money during an evening auction.

Many people pack the beach to view the sandcastles, ride horses, fly kites and to just enjoy the beach.

The 1st Place Masters' Winner ~ "Sweet Dreams"

The 2nd Place Masters' Winner ~ "Temple of Bloom"

The 3rd Place Masters' Winners ~ "Scary Monsters at Night"

"The Little Mermaid" ~ King Triton, Arial & Ursula

"My Wish List" ~ Santa down the Chimney & presents

"South American Temple"

"Castle"

"Winter Play Land"

"Puss-n-Boots"

"Face in the Sand"

"The Incredible Hulk in Sand"

"Smiling Octopus"

Featured sandcastle in front of the Convention Center ~ "Gold Rush"

Woodcarvers & Watchers in front of the Convention Center

"Surf's Up"

"Dolphins"

"Seaside Bench"