Late Summer’s sweltering temps have dropped and settled back down to moderate double digits. Lingering balmy days, tepid waves and gentle gulf breezes proclaim autumn’s arrival to South Texas. It’s time to celebrate smaller crowds on the beach. It’s time for Fall’s Fun Fest of live music, activities for all ages, and more sandcastles than you can imagine on a 2.3-mile barrier island.
Sandcastle Capital of the World
South Padre Island, Texas is called the “Sandcastle Capital of the World” and for good reason. It has the largest outdoor sandcastle in the U.S.A. and the SPI Sandcastle Trail, a course of about 30 mapped sandcastles scattered over the island. And there’s Sandcastle Days, an annual family event held on the beach in front of Clayton’s, the “Biggest Beach Bar in Texas” and the event sponsor.
A long sand sculpture banner at the Clayton’s entrance welcomes visitors to Sandcastle Days.
Sandcastle Days
Sandcastle Days 2017 runs Thursday, October 5 through Sunday, October 8 and marks the 30th anniversary of the festival. The beachfront event was founded in 1987 by SPI residents and master sand sculptors, Walter McDonald, aka “Amazin’ Walter”, and Lucinda Wierenga, aka “Sandy Feet”.
“Amazin’ Walter” McDonald is one of the founders of Sand Castle Days and a master sandcastle sculptor.
Lucinda Wierenga, aka “Sandy Feet”, co-founder of Sandcastle Days, perfects her sand masterpiece.
The Main Event
The main event of the festival is the professional sand sculptor competition. Artists from around the world fly in to sculpt their entries right on the beach and vie for the first place prize.
“Glitchcastle”, by Wilfred Stijer of the Netherlands, was the 1st place winner in the 2016 professional division.
The 2nd place winner in the 2016 pro competition was crafted by Karen Fralich, of Burlington, Ontario, Canada.
“Together”, by Edith Van De Wetering of Holland, garnered 3rd place in the 2016 pro division.
Other Events
Other festival events include the Amateur Division competition, Sandcastle Days Mercado, children’s water slides and sand sculpting demonstrations.
Amateur competitors work on their creations in the foreground while the pros sculpt in front of them. Non-competitors stroll by the artists admiring their work or play in the sand and surf.
Trash & Show
A major highlight of the festival is the Trash & Show. The “trashion show” features designers modeling their hot couture created out of beach trash collected and constructed into high fashion. (Haute/hot” pun intended; wearing a discarded beach umbrella has got to be hot, especially in South Texas!).
Trash & Show designers model their beach couture made from items found discarded on the beach.
Food & Drink
For the hungry, Clayton’s serves savory fish tacos chased with slushy frozen margaritas served in a souvenir cup, as well as other beach bar fare. Diners claim brightly-colored chairs on the deck and enjoy live music while they feast.
Clayton’s “Biggest Beach Bar In Texas” souvenir drink cup.
Clayton’s is the hot spot for beachside activities on SPI.
Island Time
Nothing beats just being at the beach on island time sunning, sipping and people-watching. Or, you can walk around as an art critic and cast your vote for the People’s Choice award. If you feel inspired, find an open spot on the beach and start crafting your own masterpiece. Whatever you do, you’ll be mesmerized as the large piles of sand are transformed into amazing works of sand art.
Festival goers watch piles of sand transforming into works of art.
Good To Know Before You Go
The Texas sun can still burn delicate skin in October
Fall’s Water temps can be warm enough to splash in
Bring the usual beach gear and skin protectants: swimsuit, cover-up, long sleeves, sunglasses, suntan lotion, cap or hat, towel, beach toys and drinking water. Or, pick them up at one of the many souvenir stores on the island offering quality merchandise at reasonable prices.
Food, beverages, and restrooms are available at Clayton’s.
Well-behaved dogs are welcome.
Learn More & Contact
Visit the Sandcastle Days Website and follow the SPI Sand Castle Trail to discover other sandcastles on the island.
Visit the “Largest Outdoor Sandcastle in the U.S.A.” at the South Padre Visitors Center, 610 Padre Blvd., South Padre Island, Texas 78597-6613, Phone: 956-433-9948.
This ever-changing sandcastle sculpture at the Visitors Center, by artist Andy Hancock, is the largest outdoor permanent sandcastle in the USA.
Looking for a hotel recommendation? See SPI Vacay HQ: Hilton Garden Inn
SOUTH PADRE ISLAND GALLERY
Click on a picture to start the slideshow. Click on the “i” in the lower left-hand corner to display the captions.
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