![Inaugural Wisconsin Sand Sculpting Festival Drew Thousands to Manitowoc's Red Arrow Beach](https://media-cdn.socastsrm.com/wordpress/wp-content/blogs.dir/1960/files/2023/07/bob-mays-award-winning-sand-sculpture-scaled.jpg)
Bob May's Award Winning Sand Sculpture
To say the Inaugural Wisconsin Sand Sculpting Festival was a success would be putting it lightly.
According to Courtney Hansen, the Executive Director of Visit Manitowoc, an estimated 8,000 people visited the beach to enjoy the festival and see the artwork created only from sand.
Earning the Semi-Pro Sand Sculpting Wisconsin State Championship was Bob May for his piece entitled “Leonardo Pre-Ninja”, which was also named the People’s Choice and Sculptor’s Choice winner.
The adult solo winner of the Amateur Sand Sculpting Wisconsin State Championship was Ryan Metzner’s “Sand Castle”, the Family/Group winner was Team VanTheil for their “Octoopus Garden”, and Christian Wiley won the children’s competition with a piece called “Green Bay”.
Additionally, Jim Ford was named “the Semi-Pro Quick Sand Speed Sculpting Wisconsin State Champion” for his creation of Baby Yoda.
Hansen confirmed that the festival will be coming back to Manitowoc next year, however, the dates have not been solidified.
For the announcement of 2024 dates, follow Wisconsin Sand Sculpting Festival and Visit Manitowoc on Facebook.