Monday, June 1, 2009

Galveston Sand Castle Contest



Saturday June 6th is the 23rd Annual AIA Sand Castle Competition on Galveston's East Beach.

What is AIA Sandcastle?


For over two decades in the first part of June, Houston area architects, designers, engineers and contractors have taken their tools to East Beach in Galveston for what is considered one of the world’s largest sandcastle competitions. The Houston Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) sponsors this annual contest where some 80 teams have their eyes (and shovels) set on winning the prestigious "Golden Bucket" award.

Firms begin months in advance generating ideas, developing designs, and assigning duties. On the day of the event, the teams stretch along the beach meticulously sculpting their sand piles and working non-stop for five hours. The judging of the sandcastles is rated on originality of concept, artistic execution of the concept, technical difficulty, carving technique, and utilization of the site.

At the end of the day, everyone goes home with memories of a great day on the beach filled with fun, sun, sand, and sea.

Green Sandcastles?

The AIA is mainstreaming green at this year's Sandcastle event. In 2007, we instituted beverage container recycling with remarkable participation. The effort reduced the amount of waste destined to the landfill by diverting plastic bottles and aluminum cans to the recycling center.

We will initiate recycling within the event teams and sponsors for larger participation in being environmentally responsible at the beach. Waste Management is providing the recycling containers and volunteers to help make the recycling effort as smooth as possible.

Event information can be found here and pictures from past competitions can be found here.

And visit this link to find out about the Top Sandcastle Tournaments around the US. One is in our backyard in October at South Padre Island.

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