10/2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACTS: Nancy Hamilton, Lee Rose, Katie Meckley (239) 338-3500

FORT MYERS BEACH, FL – A sandcastle is no longer just a simple sand sculpture at the 22nd Annual American Sandsculpting Championship Festival on Fort Myers Beach, Nov. 5-9.

Master (professional), Florida State (semi-professional), and amateur sculptors will compete for cash prizes and trophies as they put their imaginations and artistic talents to work building masterpieces, ranging from the amazingly beautiful to the cleverly comedic. Participants from around the U.S. will be competing at The Outrigger Beach Resort and Holiday Inn Fort Myers Beach. With the sugar fine white sand of Fort Myers Beach, this event is one of the preeminent professional competitions in the world and a favorite with participants.

The American Sandsculpting Championship Festival is not only a great time for participants, it is also a popular spectator event. It is expected that 65,000 people will come out to the celebrations this year. Event goers can build their own sculpture, watch the masters at work, or visit the Sand Magic Village. Located in front of Pointe Estero and GullWing Beach resorts, Sand Magic Village is a true beach shopping experience and will have vendors with fine artwork and exhibitors.

Master sculptors will begin on Nov. 5 and the Florida State sculptors will start on Nov. 8, with amateurs starting Nov. 9. An Awards Ceremony will be held for all competitions at the Holiday Inn on Sunday.

Event goers can park at the official parking site located at Lovers Key State Park and take mini-buses that will be running back and forth to the event. Also, parking will be permitted at the North Field located north of Carl Johnson’s Boat Ramp. Additionally, trolley rides are available from the Summerlin Square Depot for 50 cents. Transportation at both locations will be for Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For more details on the festival, call (239)454-7500 or log onto www.sandsculptingfestival.com . For overnight accommodations, visit www.FortMyersSanibel.com

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