Sculptors enjoy sun, fun at Mill Creek fest

Sand Sculptures Panorama

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A view of the sand sculptures during Sunfest at the Mill Creek MetroParks, Sunday, July 26, 2009.

By WILLIAM K. ALCORN

VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER

Turtles, castles and a jolly fellow with a beard and red hat named Sandy Claus were among the delightful creations in Mill Creek MetroParks annual sand sculpture contest.

The sand creations were part of MetroParks’ annual Sunfest Sunday at the Wick Recreation Area. Other Sunfest activities included a nearest-the-pin golf contest, a nature hike and a concert, said Tom Bresko, park recreation director.

There were 27 entries in the sand sculpture contest, which Bresko started 20 years ago.

Prizes ranging from $5 to $100 were awarded to winners in the children and adult divisions, but contestants say they participated because it’s a fun activity.

“It’s the most fun you can have for $5,” said one contestant. Five dollars was the cost of entering the contest. Sculptors had three hours, from 1 to 4 p.m., to turn one ton of sand into a work of art.

“Playing in the sand, it’s like being a kid again,” said Mark Dolak of Austintown, a member of the Wednesday Walkers, a group that had two entries. Both were replicas of sites in the park: Pioneer Pavilion and The Old Mill, the latter of which took first place in the Adult Division.

Read the full story and get the list of sand-sculpting winners Monday in The Vindicator and on Vindy.com.