Sandcastle Building Talents Showcased In LBI's First 'Bash'

SHIP BOTTOM, NJ — Despite what the calendar says, summer isn't going out with a whimper. That was clear as Long Beach Island held it first annual "Sand Castle Bash" on Saturday.

The event brought out numerous contestants, ranging from rookies to professionals. The Schaffer family constructed a Halloween-themed sandcastle. Brendan Schaffer had participated in contests before and rounded up his family from around the state to meet in Ship Bottom for the competition.

When Brendan was young, he and his father would make sculptures on the beach. In the winter, they would make snow sculptures in front of their home. The sculptures delighted anyone that drove by their home, Brendan said.

They entered a contest together with a snow dragon and won a trip to Fort Myers, Florida. According to Schaffer, each of his team members had a background in engineering or construction. The Schaffer's who won the family category and a two-night stay at the Drifting Sands.

Chris Connors, a Lanoka Harbor resident, said he is more of a sculptor than builder. According to Connors, his hobby is a huge stress relief. He made what he called "Kraken Attackin'."

Cherie Brost of Manahawkin and her daughter Wendy of Texas made "LBI Postcard" and it was their first attempt in a sandcastle building contest.

Kathy Nichols, of Ocean City, is a teacher in North Wildwood. Nichols took part in a sandcastle workshop sponsored by the Art Educators of New Jersey and was inspired by sand sculpture artist John Gowdy. She described her passion of sculpting as "an obsession."

"I'm excited Long Beach Island is having a sandcastle contest in September on the weekends because it's great for families," said Nichols.

Darrell O'Connor of Wilmington, Delaware has competed in contests before. He has 30 years of experience and has competed in Delaware and Florida.

He said he has a friend in Ship Bottom that told his wife about the event and thought it would be great to come to Ship Bottom as the weekend boasted favorable weather.

The Pascale family of Manahawkin created a hammerhead shark they named "Landshark Sandshark." It was their first time competing in a sandcastle contest and saw the news of the event had been posted to Facebook.

Mark Adler and his 10-year-old daughter of Brant Beach recreated the Western Wall of Israel. Brant found the inspiration for his creation in Gulliver's Gate in New York City. It was his first time competing in a contest but on the weekends at the beach, he and his family would build something for fun.

The Correnti family from Philadelphia created a saxophone sculpture. Jeremy Correnti is a saxophone teacher and it was the family's first time competing. According to Jackie Correnti, they wanted to spend the weekend at the beach. They were unaware of a sandcastle contest until they were asked by McGill if they were competing as they attempted to walk on the beach.

"We thought 'hey why not?' and it was something fun for the kids to take part in," Jackie Correnti said.

Tina Fakhoury of New York has a sister that lives in Long Beach Island who told her about the event. Fakhoury thought it would be a good idea to celebrate her son's birthday and they participated in the event together. They had never competed in a contest before. Danny, who turned seven on Sept. 22, won a medal along with the other contestants in the 7 and under category.

According to professional sculptor Ian Deibert, professional sandcastle events get sand from gravel pits. The silt and clay gives the castle a clean, fresh look, Deibert said. Keeping the sand wet is absolutely necessary to keep the air out of the sand and the granules tight.

Deibert said on the beach it depends how sheer and vertical the sculpture can go. Deibert's father shadowed a local sculptor and Deibert learned from his father. It was only 6 years ago that Deibert started out for himself.

Sculptors use whatever tools necessary to perform. Items could include dentist tools, paint brushes, garbage cans, trowels and cake-building equipment.

"It's really cool to work with my dad. It's a creative release that requires a lot of patience," Deibert said. "You have to zone out. It's sand, it collapses and you have to just roll with the punches. It's definitely relaxing."

According to event organizer Mary McGill, the idea to start the contest was suggested by the hotel's owner Jack Burbage. McGill — also the hotel's director of sales and marketing —said the aim was to have an event for the community as well as support local business. The sandcastle contest is nonprofit and according to McGill, they plan to hold the contest next year and beyond.

"I have a background in event planning," McGill said. "I live in Surf City, and I have been coming here since I was 3. It's been a joy to create an event that I hope will last forever."

McGill added that she has enjoyed working with local businesses and her fellow community members.

Click here to get Patch email notifications on this or other local news articles or get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our app. Download here. Follow Barnegat-Manahawkin Patch on Facebook.