Summer Olympics Represented at Edmonds Sand Sculpting Contest

This year, during the Summer Olympics, it seems appropriate that the annual City of Edmonds Sand Sculpting Contest be held at Olympic Beach.

Alas, it wasn't so.

But Marina Beach, where it's always been held, was a fine venue for a contest that featured a number of Olympic-themed creations.

There was swimmer Michael Phelps doing the butterfly, accompanied by the Olympic rings and one gold medal (20 or so would have been too impractical, we suppose.).

London's Olympic Stadium was represented, with a colorful Olympic flame to boot.

In all, there were 30 teams represented—ranging from 1 to 20 members—and hundreds of spectators under an overcast sky that kept builders cool.

The arrived at 10 a.m, equipped with buckets, shovels and plenty of creative energy.

The four judges—Edmonds Mayor Dave Earling, Kevin Clarke of the Edmonds Planning Board and Nick and Ameila from Nama's Candy Store, a sponsor—started judging at noon.

"There are a lot of creative sculptures here," said Earlling. "This is a great family event, and I am absolutely delighted at the turn out today. We have everything from young folks to parents all participating. It's really fun."

The prize? One of six "golden buckets" filled with saltwater taffy from Nama's.

Here are the winners:

Category 1: Family/group (all ages), sandcastle: Edmonds Boys & Girls
Club Adventurers Group, ages 9-21, built the largest castle creation with
several different structures themed around the Fremont Troll. 

Category 2: Family/group (all ages) sand sculpture: Sandoz and Evans
families (ages 4-adults) from Woodway and Hailey, ID, built "The
Edmonds Express" steam engine with freight cars. 

Category 3: Family/group (all ages) sand sculpture: Lemon men and women
(ages 11-adults) from Brier, Edmonds and Lynnwood built Michael Phelps,
"Greatest Olympian Ever." 

Category 4: Kids 14-plus mixed ages sand sculpture: Jake Tiffany, 17, of
Mountlake Terrace built a detailed sandcastle temple. 

Category 5: Kids 13 and under sandcastle: Children's Center of Edmonds
(ages 5-10) built a sandcastle themed around "Where's Waldo?" 

Category 6- Kids 13 and under sand sculpture: Team North Meets South
(ages 9-12) of Edmonds and Tuscon, AZ, built "Candy Poseidon."
Picture #245.

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