Sandy masterpieces on the shore at Queenscliff Sculpture Contest

DESPITE windy and miserable weather, about 120 competitors took to Queenscliff beach on January 4 to participate in the 22nd sand sculpture contest.

Queenscliffe Neighbourhood House hosted the event with co-ordinator Carolyn Williams.

She was impressed with the size of the crowd despite the unpleasant conditions.

“Everything went really well we had a great crowd of competitors as well as spectators. They persevered despite the increasing wind, which made it very uncomfortable to be on the beach,” Ms
Williams said.

“It was great to see so many locals as well as holiday makers. It would’ve been possibly the same as last year, around 120 people competing and equal numbers watching.”

Ms Williams said there were winners in various categories with no overall winner.

“There was no overall winner as we had different age categories. First, second and third in about five different categories, they were lots of very creative sculptures.

“There was a sea lion that was really good, that was a crowd favourite. It was a great event with the Sea of Ukes performing afterwards at the Queenscliffe Neighbourhood House.

“It was a very good event and successful on all levels except for the weather.”

Competitors and spectators enjoyed a barbecue run by Queenscliff and District Men’s Shed afterwards, with Queenscliffe mayor Ross Ebbels applauding the efforts of all involved.

“The annual sand sculpture contest in Queenscliffe brings visitors from everywhere to our community. This year I met participants from as far away as New Zealand and even the United Kingdom,” Cr Ebbels said.

“Congratulations to the Queenscliffe Neighbourhood House for running yet another fantastic event.”