More than 30,000 people convened in Port Aransas over the weekend for the 22nd annual SandFest, the largest native sand sculpture competition in the U.S.—and the first since Hurricane Harvey hit South Texas last year. On Friday morning, a horn sounded on the beach between mile markers 9 and 13, signaling that the eighteen sculptors could start on their soon-to-be sand masterpieces, which they worked on virtually nonstop for three days, hunched over and on their knees, surrounded by crowds who watched the artists at work. The winners were announced Sunday night. Completely run by volunteers, the event gives all proceeds to local charities. SandFest, which some locals call “adult spring break,” was a welcome weekend for business owners who have been looking forward to more visitors returning to Port Aransas. Fifty percent of the two thousand vacation homes are now available to book, with most set to become available by June. Half of the destination hotel rooms are opening now, with hopes to reach an 80 percent capacity by early summer. The lack of lodging options didn’t keep SandFest attendees away from viewing the art, consuming funnel cakes, and riding golf carts in the sand.

Each artist begins with a large pile of raw sand, which is then watered down until the sand is compact. Using a variety of tools from their elaborate tool kits, they press the sand together until it hardens, periodically spraying the intricate sculptures with glue to keep them in place.
Photograph by Wynn Myers
Some of the sculptures utilize wooden bases.
Photograph by Wynn Myers
SandFest volunteers, who run the event, travel by golf cart over the four-mile stretch of beach where the Fest occurs.
Photograph by Wynn Myers
Locals and tourists, mostly from around the state, came out in droves for the first SandFest after Hurricane Harvey.
Photograph by Wynn Myers
Sculptor Delayne Corbett’s Seraphim, which won first place in the solo division.
Photograph by Wynn Myers
A close-up of artist Bruce Phillips's sculpture. He has been making sand art for 25 years and has created sand sculptures in thirteen countries.
Photograph by Wynn Myers
From deep-fried Oreos to hot and spicy tamales, beachgoers had many options for snacks between sculpture viewings.
Photograph by Wynn Myers
Sculptors could compete as a duo, as did father-and-son team Ky and Jeff Terrell.
Photograph by Wynn Myers
Ted Siebert journeyed from Chicago, Illinois to Port Aransas for the event. He's the author of a book on the pursuit called The Art of Sand Sculpting.
Photograph by Wynn Myers
An iced-beverage option for every color of the rainbow.
Photograph by Wynn Myers
Lucinda Wierenga and Emerson Schreiner's intricate sculpture took second place in the competition.
Photograph by Wynn Myers
Delayne Corbett’s Seraphim in progress on Friday before he won first prize on Sunday.
Photograph by Wynn Myers
Winners were announced after three days of hard work under the sun.
Photograph by Wynn Myers