CHESTERTON | Watch the sand come alive with castles, animals and fanciful works of art on July 12.
Park visitors are invited to participate with friends and family as the Friends of Indiana Dunes group sponsors the 11th annual Sand Sculpture contest at Indiana Dunes State Park.
Interpretive naturalist Brad Bumgardner encourages participation in the contest. "Whether you are 5 or 105 years old, you can grab a pile of sand and get really creative. Even if you're not participating it's fun to walk around and see what others have created." Watchers will vote for their favorite sculpture for the "Viewer's Choice Award."
Registration begins at 9 a.m. at the west end of the beach pavilion. Judging begins at 11:30 a.m.; followed by the awards program at 12:30 p.m. Prizes will be awarded in two categories, one for children age 15 and younger and one for families of fewer than eight people.
Indiana Dunes State Park Beach Pavilion is located at the north end of U.S. Route 49. For more information about this program or others at Indiana Dunes State Park contact the Nature Center at (219) 926-1390.
Participation in the sand sculpture contest is free after paying the gate fee. The gate fee is $5 for Indiana vehicles and $10 for out-of-state vehicles. Annual park passes can be purchased at the gate.
--For The Times
