Grand Haven’s annual sand sculpture returns after hiatus

Rainy weather didn’t dampen the joy of the return of the Grand Haven’s annual Sand Sculpture Contest after a two-year hiatus.

The 39th annual contest took place the morning of Saturday, Aug. 13 at the city beach. 

This year’s family-friendly contest was made possible with the support of the Lake Michigan Credit Union and The Chamber Grand Haven, Spring Lake and Ferrysburg.

Participants are given two hours to create their masterpiece before a panel of judges that included Grand Haven City Councilmember Ryan Cummins, Grand Haven Interim City Manager Ashley Latsch, Chamber President Joy Gaasch, and former Grand Haven Mayor Gail Ringleberg and Margaret Ardell, former Anything Goes Caterer.

The four teams that took part were a hardy bunch. They were the only ones who braved the elements fo of the 16 teams registered. The first-place winner in the Individual Category was Monumental Collage, and the first-place winner in the Crew Category was the Sedlecky Family.

While the turnout was sparse this year, traditionally the summertime contests draw hundreds of people to gather on the Grand Haven shoreline to construct beautiful sand sculptures and works of art. Participants are given two hours to create their masterpieces.