Rehoboth-Dewey chamber to host 35th Annual Sandcastle Contest Aug. 3

The Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce will host the 35th Annual Sandcastle Contest Saturday, Aug. 3. More than 100 teams are expected to express their artistic flair. Past creations have included a breakfast meal, Funland rides, pyramids, dolphins, Olympic athletes and of course traditional sandcastles.

Beachgoers who would rather watch than work are welcome to view the incredible creations upon their completion beginning at 3 p.m. free of charge.

The contest will be held at Fisherman’s Beach at the north end of the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk, near the Henlopen Hotel. The contest is open to both adults and children. Sculptures may be started at any time on the day of competition, but must be completed for judging by 3 p.m. Participants may register their entry anytime between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Winners will be announced at approximately 5 p.m.. Judges are volunteers for the chamber.

Registered teams will have the opportunity to purchase event T-shirts at a discounted rate of $5 per shirt.

New this year

Sand sculpting artist Darrell O’Connor will be on the beach at Rehoboth Avenue and the Boardwalk from 5 to 7 p.m., Friday, Aug. 2, giving sculpting demonstrations and lessons.

Chamber business members are encouraged to compete in the new business category and to represent their company in the sand. Entries will be judged on Structural Engineering, Use of Materials, Imagination, Overall Aesthetic Appeal and Representation of Business. The winning business will receive a trophy and bragging rights for the entire year.

Spectators can join in the fun too. Sand sculpting expert Darrell O’Connor will begin work on a community sculpture at 10 a.m. Spectators can assist Darrell with this creation; two assistants will be allowed in the sculpting zone on a rotating basis every 30 minutes. The sculpture will be completed by 3 p.m.

The prizes

Prizes will be awarded to the top 10 Judge’s Favorites in both the adult and 7-14 child divisions. One Judge’s Favorite award will be given in the business category. Special awards will be given to all participants in the 6 & under child’s division.

Two People’s Chioce Awards will be given during this year’s contest. The general public can vote on their favorite adult and child division creation by completing an event evaluation. All regular contest rules apply.

This event is weather dependent. In the event of bad weather, setup and registration may be delayed up until 10:30 a.m. If bad weather continues, this event will be postponed until the following year. If bad weather occurs during the contest, participants may continue at will or at the discretion of lifeguards. Judging may be cancelled at anytime if warranted by current weather conditions.

For more information, call the Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce at 302-227-6446 or visit www.beach-fun.com.

2013 top event sponsors include the following: Perfect Wave sponsors: Delaware Today and WBOC; Tidal Wave sponsor: Sussex County Federal Credit Union; Barrell Wave sponsor: M&T Bank; Swell Sponsors: Atlantic Liquors/Crosswinds Motel, Delmarva Power and Jake's Seafood House; Rip Wave Sponsor: 7 Eleven, Affinity Energy Management, Fulton Bank Delaware National Division, Holland Jewelers Inc., PNC Bank, WSFS Bank. LC Homes is Children's Give Away Sponsor. Top 10 Trophy Sponsors are Atlantic Sands Hotel & Conference Center, Christian Light Ministries Inc., County Bank, Dos Locos and Josephine's Daughter.

Additional 2013 event sponsors to date include Star of the Sea Condominium, Rehoboth Beach Boys & Girls Club and Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.