Sand sculptures to transform Siesta Key Beach during eighth Crystal Classic international festival

Event will open on Friday, Nov. 10, and conclude on Nov. 13

People take in the array of items in the Vendors Village next to the sand-sculpting area in 2016. Image courtesy of the Crystal Classic

Twelve teams of sand sculptors from around the world will compete during the eighth annual Siesta Key Crystal Classic International Sand Sculpting Festival, which will take place on Siesta Public Beach Nov. 10-13.

Sculptors will begin designing their massive works on Friday, Nov. 10, with the winning sculptures to be announced during an awards ceremony at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 12, a news release notes.

Visitors may continue viewing the sculptures and vote for the People’s Choice Award until the festival closes at 5 p.m. on Monday, the release adds. People’s Choice results will appear at www.facebook.com/SiestaKeyCrystalClassic.

The festival is more than just sand, organizers point out. It also features live music, along with a large village of shopping and food and drink vendors. Among the other activities are the popular “Quick Sand” competition, sand-sculpting lessons, an amateur competition and The Learning Curve, an arts and science area for children.

The festival will be open Friday and Saturday until 9 p.m. this year, with live music by Reverend Barry & The Funk on Friday night and One Night Rodeo Saturday night. “The sculptures will be lit through a fabulous light display and the party tent will be open until closing time,” the release says.

Friday through Monday, the gates will open at 10 a.m. On Sunday and Monday, 5 p.m. will be the closing time, the website notes. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 per child ages 5-17; free for children younger than 5; $8 for active and retired military personnel with appropriate identification; and $8 for seniors, ages 65 and up.

Crystal Classic details are available at the website: www.siestakeycrystalclassic.com.