The 1st Annual Siesta Key Crystal Classic Master Sandsculpting Competition is under way on beautiful Siesta Key Beach Florida. Festivities started on Thursday and continue through 5pm this afternoon. Master sculptors from around the world are competing for the $25,000 prize.
I was fortunate enough to be able to take a quick drive to Siesta Key yesterday to check on the progress of the works of art being created with what is arguably the worlds best sand to use in such a competition.
The Siesta Key Crystal Classic Master Sandsculpting Competition is more than just a few hours spent in amazement of what these competitors can do with sand. There are many vendors set up around the perimeter of the event as well as live music for the entire family to enjoy. 
There are even clinics every few hours that you can attend which give you the basics of how to create your own works of art. You can either watch and learn or you can get dirty and pretend to be a kid again with hands on training.
Food and retail vendors are in attendance offering visitors a chance to sample some of their fine fare and learn more about their products and services.
Mote Marine Laboratory is a major sponsor of the event and they are on hand with their mobile aquarium and education center for those interested in learning more about the area sea life and ways to keep it healthy. Proceeds from the event will benefit their Marine Sea Turtle Conservation and Research.
Look at this amazing sculpture of a sea turtle.
Siesta Key is well known for it's sand. In fact, Siesta Key is consistently ranked in the top 10 beaches in the United States by Dr. Beach, winning second place in 2009 and 2010. The sand is among the best in the world for sand sculpting and a clear choice for The Siesta Key Crystal Classic Master Sandsculpting Competition.
Many people don't realize that sculptors often times ship their own qaurry sand to these competitions because the natural sand is not adequate. Not so on Siesta Key where the sand has been laboratory proven to be the whitest, finest sand in the world.
The competition ends at 1pm today and the judging starts at 2pm. It will be great to see these works of art completed. The weather could not be better this week with lows at night in the mid 50's and daytime highs in the high 70's to 80 degrees. Plenty of sunshine to boot! It's no wonder so many people visit Sarasota and keep coming back!
Here are some of the other great works of art from the competition, hope you enjoy. Remember, these are all works in progress.
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