Ocean Beach is typically a haven for surfers, dog-owners, and burnouts, but one day a year (Saturday, Oct. 20), the bonfire-scorched sands get molded and shaped into massive works of art at Leap's Annual Sandcastle Contest. Now in its 29th year, the contest features teams of architects, engineers, contractors, designers, corporations, and local elementary school students working to create the biggest and best sand sculptures. Free and open to the public, thousands of people flock to Ocean Beach each year to view the contest, which is evaluated by a panel of celebrity judges. This year's theme is "2012 Leap Year (Things that Jump!)," so expect to see a lot of animals in action and characters rising from the sands.
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It isn't just a free-for-all though: Before the event, teams meet with students in the classroom to develop an idea for the theme, and preliminary clay models are created as well as a building schedule for the day of. The teams have four hours to build, shape, and complete their design. There is even an all-ages, community sandcastle-building area where eager bystanders can build their own sandy masterpieces. More than 20 local schools and 300 sponsors participate in the contest, with the proceeds raised by the teams going to help Leap continue to provide and fund art programs for Bay Area schoolchildren.
Leap's Annual Sandcastle Contest starts Saturday, Oct. 20 at 10 a.m. at Ocean Beach (Fulton and Great Highway), S.F. Admission is free..
To get you inspired, check out these truly amazing sandcastle sculptures. We suggest you view with the sound off, unless you're really into Adam Lambert:
