SPI's Sand Castle Days Draws Large Crowds

South Padre Island's Sand Castle Days drew huge crowds Oct. 20-23 at the Sheraton South Padre Island Beach Hotel Condominiums with more than 16,000 in attendance.

The organizers of Sandcastle Days also use this opportunity to raise funds for the "UNLITTER CAMPAIGN." This campaign is dedicated to the preservation and education of the natural beauty of our beaches and its marine life.

Through working with the natural elements, the event's participants and volunteers have developed a deep love for the beach environment and are strongly committed to the preservation and restoration of the coastal shores.

Sand Castle Days, Inc. is a not-for-profit annual event that showcases the unique art form of sand sculpture with the help of amateurs and professionals whose talents make the sand come to life. For more information about the event, call 1-800-SOPADRE or visits the event's Web site at www.sandcastledays.com.

Several competitions took place at the event with a few South Padre Island locals taking top awards in the Masters of the Sand Competition; Amazin' Walter took second place, Alderman Fred Mallet took third place, and Sandy Feet took fourth place.