Labor Day’s U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge & 3D Art Expo

Looking for a little outdoor fun this coming Labor Day weekend? What could be more interesting than strolling outside along the B Street Pier while peering at the wonderful sand sculptures and sculptors engaging in the U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge & 3D Art Expo? Join amateur and pro sand artists from around the globe as they display their talent in creating temporary works of arts that may make a lasting impression on you.

Sand wizards will compete from as close as Pacific Beach, Washington State, Florida and Canada; and from distant lands including Latvia, home base of the current king of the castles, Sandis Kondrats; Singapore, Italy and Holland. The artists will work on their displays from dawn until dusk on Friday and much of Saturday morn. The sandy structures they’ve constructed will be judged and ranked, and the winners revealed on Sunday, including the grand prize winner of $60,000. A last viewing of the art will be on Monday, before all the sand is washed away.

Here’s the details: the show will be open from 9 a.m. tomorrow, Friday, August 29 until 7 p.m; then on Saturday from 9 in the morning to 10 at night; on Sunday you can watch it all beginning at 9 a.m. and closing at 7 p.m; finally the exhibits will be shown Monday, Labor Day starting at 9 a.m and concluding at 7 p.m. The location is the B Street Cruise Ship Terminal Pier, 1140 North Harbor Drive, at the Embarcadero. Tickets cost 7 to 12 dollars, but there are plenty of discounts available. Go here for more info and to purchase tickets.

Part of all monies collected will be donated to these programs: the Maritime Museum Children’s Education Programs, Young Audiences of San Diego/Arts for Learning, San Diego School for Creative and Performing Arts and It’s All About the Kids Foundation.

The U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge & 3D Art Expo is expected to host more than 45,000 visitors during the Labor Day weekend. Besides watching the artists produce their sand art and viewing the sculptures, some other activities will include: the giant sandbox where everyone can create their own art, assisted by free instruction from the actual professionals; a European bungee jump; bubble rides; ocean-themed glass, ceramic, wood and metal artwork; clothes stalls; jewelry booths; dancing exhibitions; aerialist performances; live rock music; and plenty of food trucks, including traditional beach food along with gourmet seafood offerings.