FMB Revives Celebrated Sand Sculpting Championship

by Richard Luthmann

The American Sand Sculpting Championship is making a highly anticipated return to Fort Myers Beach this November. The FMB Chamber of Commerce has confirmed the event will take place from November 21 to 24, reigniting a beloved tradition that ranks as the largest sand sculpting contest in Florida. Typically, the event draws about 50,000 spectators over its 10-day schedule.

Jacki Liszak, President of the FMB Chamber of Commerce, shared her excitement about the championship’s return. “The return of the American Sand Sculpting Championship to Fort Myers Beach is a huge win for the entire community,” she said. The championship was last held in 2019 and had been a regular fixture on the beach’s calendar until disruptions caused  by COVID-19 and Hurricane Ian.

The event’s comeback marks a significant post-pandemic cultural resurgence and symbolizes the community’s recovery from Hurricane Ian, which devastated the area on September 28, 2022. “Overcoming the challenges of two years of COVID and two years of impact from Hurricane Ian has been a tremendous feat. However, with teamwork from all of the event partners, we are thrilled to be able to bring this much-loved event back to Ft. Myers Beach in November,” Liszak remarked.

This year’s championship will introduce several new features, including live entertainment and extended “sand under the stars” evenings, adding a novel twist to the event’s traditional offerings. The Chamber is partnering with Diamond Head Beach Resort and The Sand Lovers LLC to orchestrate the festivities, ensuring a smooth and engaging experience for all attendees. 

The competition will showcase an array of sand sculptures craft-ed by talented artists from around the nation, promising to turn the beach into a gallery of ephemeral art. Multiple sculpture and vendor locations will be set up along the coast, providing spectators with various activities and sights.
Given the event’s popularity and the limited accommodations available on the island, early booking is highly recommended. Liszak emphasized the importance of planning for those wishing to attend. “Those planning to attend should book early as accommodations may be limited on the island,” she advised.

Visitors can access the FMB Chamber of Commerce’s website at www.fortmyersbeach.org/vacation-info-request/ for additional information about the event and to make accommodation inquiries. More details about the American Sand Sculpting Championship can be found on its official website at www.fmbsandsculpting.com. The community and visitors alike eagerly await the return of this artistic spectacle, set to breathe new life into Fort Myers Beach this fall.