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This year’s event will be even more spectacular than the first, drawing master sculptors from all over the world, including the stars of the Travel Channel show "Sand Masters." Proceeds from the event will benefit Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Programs.
Last year the event drew over 60,000 people and this year, we anticipate the number in attendance will double. The event will have live entertainment on the beach creating a wonderful festival atmosphere for adults and families alike in addition to many vendors. Rain will not cancel the event.
You'll have the opportunity to see more than 24 of the best "Master" sand sculptors from around the world create wonderful works of art from piles of sand! The Siesta Key Crystal Classic is open to the public at no cost. However, if you want to get an up-close view of the Master Sand Sculptures you may purchase an admission bracelet for $5.00 each day. A special three-day admission bracelet for access on Friday, Saturday and Sunday is available for $10 online only.
- World championship sand sculpture artists
- Speed sculpting competitions
- Amateur competitions
- Sand sculpting demonstrations and lessons
- Large group sculpture
- Welcome sculpture - A special sculpture honoring our Veterans!
Competition takes place Thursday through Sunday and features sculptors from Belgium, Canada, Italy, Latvia, The Netherlands, Romania, Singapore, Switzerland and the United States. These sculptors are all champions of international qualifying contests for the World Championship.
Their work will be showcased on Siesta Beach, recently named America’s No. 1 beach in Dr. Beach’s 21st annual Top 10 Beach List. The list is produced by Dr. Beach, also known as Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, Director of Florida International University’s Laboratory for Coastal Research. Dr. Beach compiles his top 10 beaches list annually and Siesta Key has consistently placed in the top 10.
Live Music on the beach - All day Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Lots of great food from local restaurants!
Admission bracelets can be purchased at www.crystalsand.org, and are good for admission on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 11-13, 2011, only. (Single-day bracelets for Thursday, Nov. 10, 2011, and Monday, Nov. 14, 2011, can only be purchased at the gate.) Shipping and handling fees will apply. The deadline to purchase admission bracelets is Oct. 31, 2011.
Due to the very limited parking at Siesta Beach, it is highly recommended that attendees park at the satellite lot at Phillippi Estate Park, 5500 South Tamiami Trail, 1.3 miles north of Stickney Point Road (State Road 72).
The cost for parking is $5 per carload per day, including round-trip transportation to the event site. The Phillippi lot will be open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The first shuttle leaves Phillippi Park daily at 8:30 a.m. The last shuttle leaves Phillippi Park daily at 4 p.m.. The last shuttle leaves Siesta Beach daily at 5:30 p.m.
IMPORTANT DRIVING TIP: If traveling from the north or south on I-75, take exit 205 (Clark Road, State Road 72)
