June 24-26, 2011 ~ The annual Five Star Dealerships Sand & Sawdust Festival was held over the weekend and it was a great success. All three days enjoyed sunny skies on Friday and Saturday with some overcasting on Sunday. I noticed that there were more people this year in attendance than last year. There were some very detailed and awesome works of sand art. The winner of the Masters Division was "Not So Still Life." My personal favorite of the Masters Division was "Sand Bar." My other favorites were "The Exodus," "Studegator Nest," "Octopus on Deck," and "Sleeping Dragon in the Castle." Check out the pictures below with the winners listed.

The crisp cedar smells permeated the air at the Woodcarving Competitions in front of the Convention Center, which always produces many pieces of art. Master Chainsaw Carvers from around the world and the United States compete for thousands of dollars in prizes. Competition took place from 9-4 on Friday and Saturday and 8-1 on Sunday. The Awards Ceremony was held on Sunday at 4pm. You will have to wait until next year to have a chance to take home a piece of original art!

Additional activities at the Convention Center included approximately 100 Food and Craft Vendors.

This is a must see event of the year (next to the 4th of July)!