Why You Can't Miss This Year's Texas SandFest

On April 27th-April 29th, come join us in Port Aransas for Texas SandFest, “the largest Native-Sand Sand Sculpture Competition in the US.” This family-friendly festival attracts visitors from all over the globe, making it possible for Texas SandFest to support the local community. So what makes this year's event more significant than past events? This will be the largest public event in Port Aransas since Hurricane Harvey, so now more than ever, it's important that people come out and attend to help further support the rebuild of the city. The weekend will be jam-packed with fun activities, including both a master and amateur sculpting contest, live music, food from local vendors, and more.  

What is Texas SandFest?  
Texas SandFest is a Sand Sculpture Competition that occurs each year on the beautiful beaches of Port Aransas. However, these aren’t just your everyday sand castles. People from all over the world come to participate and take pictures of these giant sculptures. Do the names Charles Beaulieu, Delayne Corbette, or Carl Jara ring a bell? If not, they will soon. They are among the 18 master sculptors to make an appearance at this year’s festivities.    

Aside from viewing the amazing sand sculptures, there are plenty of opportunities at SandFest to enjoy the beach for both adults and kids. Live music will be provided by local musicians, including Two Tons of Steel, Panic Stricken, and the John Cortez Band. While listening to music, you can grab a bite to eat from one of the many food vendors (like a stuffed spud from Port Of Flames or some roasted corn at RJ Roasting) and stop for a drink from the Beer Garden! For a full list of each day’s activities, check out the schedule, here. 

What makes this year's event more significant than past events? 

SandFest Event Coordinator, Lisa Shelton, sat down with resortandlodges.com to give more insight into why this year’s event is more significant than past events. “The eye of Hurricane Harvey hit less than a mile from Port Aransas, and our community suffered severe destruction. TXSF will be the first major local event since the hurricane.” Although many assumed Port A shut down after the hurricane, our city is very much open and ready for your support. We hope this event attracts lots of visitors as it will make a great impact into helping our community continually rebuild.

Where do the proceeds for SandFest go?

Each year, SandFest donates to a variety of local causes and organizations, with a central focus on giving back to the community. When asked which causes would be focused on this year, Lisa responded, “Texas SandFest typically benefits three local non-profits: Port Aransas Community Theater, Port Aransas Art Center, and Helping Hands Food Pantry, along with granting numerous scholarships to local high school graduates."

However, due to the effect that Hurricane Harvey had on Port Aransas, there are many local causes that need our help. Shelton mentioned, “this year will be interesting and difficult decisions will have to be made...there are so many worthy causes that need financial help in the wake of the hurricane...Texas SandFest will help all it can in the best way possible…We are hoping and praying that people will stay in surrounding areas and make the effort to drive to Port Aransas during the day to enjoy the festival. We are staying open until 7pm on Friday and Saturday to help accommodate the ‘day trippers.’”  

That being said, we hope this year’s SandFest event is the biggest one Port A has ever seen. With three days of live music, world class master sculptors, a great amateur contest, and tons of vendors with yummy food and drinks, we need all the people to come out and support Port Aransas.

Last year's 1st Place Duo: Wilfred Stijger & Edith van de Wetering 

See you there! 

Whether it be the large crowds, the food, the sculptures, the live music, the “island style” jewelry, or the community enrichment, we're excited we're only a few minutes away from all the action. Wristbands are just $10, which gains you entrance into the festival all three days, and kids 12 and younger get in free. Remember, the mission of Sandfest is to give back to the community, so share with your friends, because this needs to be the biggest attendance Port A has ever seen! SandFest only comes once a year, so come out and support our community! If you are still looking for a place to stay, we still have homes available for rent, so go ahead and book a two-night stay and we'll throw in complimentary beach chairs. Hope to see you there!

Published on Wednesday, April 4, 2018