35th Annual Piccolo Spoleto Sand Sculpting Competition--It was Beacherific

Beach sand spurs an irresistible creative urge in us to dig into it and shape it into whatever our imaginations can conjure up. Local sand lovers gathered once again on the Isle of Palms for the 35th Annual Piccolo Spoleto Sand Sculpting Competition to satisfy that compelling urge all in the name of fun, while a large crowd of observers enjoyed the spectacle as they roamed through the rows of sand art with cameras and cell phones in hand taking pictures. The competition began at 9:00 am and prizes were awarded at 1:00 pm.

The judges, which included Rob Fowler and Grace Lowe of News 2, Brendan Clark and Carolyn Murray, had the honor of picking the winners, and with all the great entries, it was a difficult task. As to having a great time, everyone was a winner.

Categories Included:

Adult (21 and up)

Family (1 adult and 1 child/young adult)

Young Adult (Ages 15-20)

Children's (14 and under)

Teams were limited to four people.

Prizes were awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd in each age division along with Best Architectural, Most Creative and Overall Best in Show.

Last year's winners were Island Tails for Best of Children's, Speedo 07 for Best of Young Adults, Pout Pout for Charlie Peberdy Memorial Award - Best of Family, Charleston Drip Company for Best Architectural, Seal of Approval for Most Creative, Vintage Since 1978 for Best of Adults, and Once Upon A Time for Best of Show - Overall.

This year's winners are Wish Upon a Star for Best of Children's, King Fu Wave for Best of Young Adults, Sea Bisquit for Charlie Peberdy Memorial Award - Best of Family, Giant Castle by the Sea for Best Architectural, Big Al for Most Creative, Saving Money for Best of Adults, and Riverdogs Days of Summer for Best of Show - Overall.

My favorite

Enjoy the pictures of this year's sand sculptures, both artistic and humorous. Which was your favorite?

34th Annual Piccolo Spoleto Sand Sculpting Competition--It was Sandtastic

Every time I vacation on a beach, I can't help myself. I have an irresistible urge to dig around in the sand and sculpt something, usually hammerheads or sea turtles. One time, I sculpted a human head with its hands sticking out of the sand. I added seaweed for hair and etched in the sand the words, "Help me." A couple walking along the shore stopped and asked me if I did it for a living and whether I worked for the resort as a sand sculptor. I slyly smiled and said no.

Sand sculpting contests have been a long standing tradition for one of Charleston's barrier islands, where sun and beach lovers gathered once again on the sands of that barrier island for the 34th Annual Piccolo Spoleto Sand Sculpting Competition. Front Beach, on the Isle of Palms, is the famed sandy shore where it all takes place. I have been taking pictures of the event since 2011.

 

It was high tide when the competition began at 9 am, so the transforming sand piles were stretched across the beach for a good distance from near the pier on down far beyond Coconut Joes, where the main tent was set up and awards handed out to the chosen.

Competitor divisions included children ages 14 and under; young adult, 15 to 20; family - at least one adult and one child or young adult; and adult, 21 and older. Prizes were awarded to the top three in each category, along with the additional judged categories of Most Creative, Best Architectural and Best in Show. Judges included News 2's Carolyn Murray, Rob Fowler, and Brendan Clark.

List of winners in each category are as follows:

Best of Children's

1st – Site T – Island Tails

2nd – Site S – Feeling Fintastic on IOP

3rd – Site II – Just Chum

Best of Young Adults

1st – Site M – Speedo 07

Charlie Peberdy Memorial Award – Best of Family

1st – Site GG – Pout Pout

2nd – Site 29 – Will you Calamarry Me?

3rd – Site CC – Mama Sea Turtle and her Babies

Best Architectural

1st – Site A – Charleston Drip Company

2nd – Site 33 – Castle James

3rd – Site 27 – The Bridge

Most Creative

1st – Site I – Seal of Approval

2nd – Site Q – Coach Potatopus

3rd – Site C – Save the Bees

Best of Adults

1st – Site H – Vintage Since 1978

2nd – Site 24 – Wiley Coyote

3rd – Site J – MC Octs 2023

Best of Show – Overall

Site FF – Once Upon A Time

Enjoy the pictures.

Home of Charleston's Sand Sculpting Contest--The Ever Popular Beach Mecca, Isle of Palms

It was the first beach I stayed at when vacationing in the Charleston area. A famous inlet separating it from a neighboring island is my favorite place to kayak at low tide. Sand islands appear offshore, where you can park to hang out and watch the kite surfers on a breezy day. The island is called the IOP by locals, and the inlet is Breach Inlet.

The Isle of Palms boasts seven miles of wide, pristine beaches great for swimming, lounging, fishing, biking, and kayaking. An equal amount of estuary waters connected to the Intracoastal waterway grace its backside like an unconquerable maze. It is an excellent place for kayaking and paddleboarding.

Once a year, the island's main stretch of sand called Front Beach is transformed into an ocean art show when it hosts the ever-popular Piccolo Spoleto Sand Sculpting Contest. It was the 33rd year for the event, and News2's Rob Fowler has been a regular judge through those years.

Participants include teams of families and individuals, children and adults from all over the Lowcountry. Hundreds of happy beach-goers strolled back and forth for three hours to watch the transformations rise from the sand, attempting to guess the object and the theme of the sculpture. The overall winner of the contest this year was a play on words and a sign of our times, Pain in the Gas. Congratulations to everyone who participated. Enjoy the pictures.

Spoleto and Piccolo Spoleto Festivals Showcase Charleston's Charisma and Charm-Pick Your Event

It's Spoleto time in historic Charleston. Charleston showcases its charisma. The Spoleto Festival and its complement, Piccolo Spoleto, begins May 24th. The Spoleto Festival is patterned after a yearly festival held in Spoleto, Italy called the Festival of Two Worlds.

Charleston was chosen by the festival's founders as the perfect counterpart of Spoleto because it mirrors the classic charm of Spoleto as well as its wealth of preserved architecture, intimate theaters, natural beauty, churches and other charming performances spaces. Although compact in size compared to other U.S. cities, Charleston's closeness allows for the entire city to be submerged into the festivities, yet it is cosmopolitan enough to provide an enthusiastic audience.

The main difference between the two festivals-Spoleto concentrates on international artists where Piccolo Spoleto concentrates on artists of the Southeast. Other standout features of Piccolo Spoleto-It provides access to the festival for every person, especially children and half of its events are admission-free. Some examples of free outdoor concerts include the Sunset Serenade concert behind the U.S. Custom House featuring the Charleston Symphony Orchestra, the Children’s Festival, the Memorial Day Concert, and the Piccolo Spoleto Finale at Hampton Park.

A favorite of mine is the Piccolo Spoleto’s Sand Sculpting Competition. You can enjoy the natural beauty of one of Charleston's barrier island beaches and express your appreciation for art.

At times, I have been known to dig around in the sand to see what my imagination could come up with. Once, while vacationing on  Estero island, I conjured up a sand sculpture of a man buried in the sand. An older couple passing by asked me if I sculpted for a living and thought I worked for the resort. Come and try your hand for the fun of it or just come on down and see what creative minds and talented hands can do with the shaping and sculpting of sand. Isle of Palms, Front Beach is the place. June 1 from 9am-12noon is the time. Admission is free. Hopefully the rain stays away.

Two Spoleto events I have been eyeing are Rosanne Cash at the TD Arena at College of Charleston June 2 at 7:30pm and The Red Stick Ramblers at Middleton Place, June 9 at 8:30pm. Rosanne Cash's music career has spanned three decades. She has a sound that blurs the lines between country, rock, roots, and pop. Eleven number one singles, a Grammy and nominations for twelve more, and three books including the bestselling Composed are among her achievements. Recently, her endeavors have turned toward the South, her ancestry and the people. The finale at Middleton Place features the Red Stick Ramblers known for their unique hybrid of Cajun, honky-tonk, and swing. Enjoy craft beer at the Finale Beer Garden located at the Pavilion and sample the food. A spectacular post-concert fireworks display will bring the Festival to its traditional celebratory close.

Steppin' Out Around Charleston And Rockin' Out At Piccolo Spoleto Summer Frenzy Block Party

Downtown Charleston, June 4, hot and humid. Revisited some old favorites in the Historic District. The Old Market was busy as usual. Strolled around observing people, took pictures, and gathered information for my next article. One man I passed was describing to what appeared to be visiting family the crepe myrtle and how it only blooms in the South. Although, he couldn't remember the name of the tree.

Stopped at Bubba Gumps for a "Boat Bucket of Trash", as it is called, and a refresher. The shrimp was good, but the fish was somewhat "trashy" or more appropriately, alittle "fishy". The waiter asked me how the food was and I politely said, "Good". I had no great expectations going in, its Bubba Gumps.

Back out on the street and on the move. Tour vendors were trying to coax patrons into signing up for their tours. One tour representative was offering couples, married or living together with an income, $125 to view one of their time shares down the road. Been there, done that, no thank you.

Walked around Queen Street and Church Street. Plenty of beautiful alleyways and cobblestoned roads to take pictures of. Nicely dressed groups of people were standing outside of the theaters waiting to get in to see the shows. Casually dressed and not so casually dressed individuals waited outside of restaurants. Thought about stopping at Boccis, but the line was too long. Walked past the Powder Magazine. The "Gentleman Pirate" had retired for the night. Admired the iron works on the Dock Street Theater.

It was now getting close to the time for the other reason I came downtown this evening. Walked over to King Street and headed towards Marion Square. There wasn't many shoppers at that time of night. I rounded the corner onto Calhoun Street. The various tents, food trucks, and stands lining the perimeter of the square came into view. I could hear the music ever so faintly in the distance coming from the direction where the stage was set up. The Piccolo Spoleto Summer Frenzy Block Party was underway.

The party-goers were just starting to gather around the stage and by the time the first band of the night, DJ TEC, had completed their set and the second band, Byog, was done setting up, the crowd had doubled. Gangrene Machine, Mingle and Calibrate, and Night School rounded out the entertainment for the rest of the evening.

There were a few spectators dancing to the rythmns of the night and as things progressed everyone had gotten into the party mood. The crowd battered around two beach balls for some added fun while they waited for each performance to begin. All in all, everyone appeared to have fun. It was a great night visiting my old friend, Charleston.

Spoleto Festival Showcases The Best Of Charleston-Plus A Block Party

Charleston, and its surrounding locales, have endured a persistent, ongoing northern invasion of a sort over recent years, perplexing locals and straining the infrastructure. Some locals had become so perplexed by the incursion, comparing it to the "War of Northern Aggression", they created a web site called GoBackToOhio.com, but must have finally accepted the unavoidable fact we are not just happy tourists, but here to stay. The website has fallen into near olivian as a result.

After lounging around the pool this past weekend, talking to fellow residents, it's apparent the incursion includes not just Ohioans, but also Pennsylvanians, Michiganers and New Yorkers. The common thread that binds us together as a group is the sheer fact we love the Charleston area.

Take myself for an example. I vacationed here for a few years before deciding to make the difficult move. Where I am from, fondly referred to as "The Northcoast", there are beaches on which to cool your heels, but also plenty of the white stuff during the off season. Hacking ice off your car on a daily basis can become an exasperating routine and unless you have experienced frostbite you can't appreciate what I am talking about when it comes to stinging pain.

None the less, snow wasn't the deciding factor in the move, I just like the sun more. The sun shines in the Lowcountry twice as much, presenting greater opportunity for outdoor activity throughout the year. Activity like boating, fishing, swimming, and golf. Charleston is a city rich with the kind of history I enjoy, reminiscent of a more genteel and eloquent time. It is also centrally located between Myrtle Beach to the north, Hilton Head to the south, and Florida not far beyond with all the amenities it has to offer. Charleston, for an added bonus, is also a cruise port.

I do miss the broadway shows at Cleveland Playhouse Square, fellow crazy fans in the Dawg Pound of Cleveland Browns Stadium, and living not too far from "The Roller Coaster Capital of the World", Cedar Point. But it is typical of life, you sacrifice some things to attain others. But the sacrifice is small.

When it comes to theater, Charleston abounds with a variety, even carrying the distinction of being home to the first theater building designed solely for theatrical performances in America, the Dock Street Theater. Charleston was even selected above all other cities in the U.S. to be the sister city of Spoleto, Italy and host to the American version of the Spoleto Festival, which is in progess as I write. And why was it selected? Its organizers saw in Charleston the same charm charateristic of Spoleto, Italy, and for its wealth of theaters, churches, and other performance spaces needed to host the operas, plays, dance, and music ranging from classical to jazz.

Charleston is artsy and a photographer's paradise. It also has a healthy nightlife. This Saturday, June 4, you can join in the fun for free. The Piccolo Spoleto Block Party: The Summer Frenzy! will take place at Marion Square, Calhoun St. & King St. A night full of music, dancing, and good eats. Entertainment ranges from local bands battling it out, dance performances by Dancefx and Mufuka Works Dance Company and a DJ mixin’ up tunes from the 60’s to today’s hottest hits. Possibly and painfully, "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" by the Proclaimers might just come up in the mix. Its a long shot, but stranger things have happened. And if need be, you can down a drink to make it more tolerable. Its all in the name of fun. Time is 7pm to 11pm.

After the party is over, you can go to the Market Pavilion Hotel's rooftop bar for a night cap and enjoy the breeze coming off the bay.

Piccolo Spoleto Festival Fun-Sand Sculpting Competition On Isle Of Palms

Everytime I vacation on the beach somewhere I can't help myself. I have an irresistable urge to dig around in the sand and sculpt something, usually hammerheads or sea turtles. One time, when I was staying at the quaint oceanside condo resort called the Lahaina Inn Resort on Fort Meyers Beach, I sculpted a human head with its hands sticking out of the sand. I added seaweed for hair and etched in the sand the words, "Help me." A couple walking along the shore stopped and asked me if I did it for a living and whether I worked for the resort as a sand sculptor. I slyly smiled and said no. Another time I made Mount Rushmore with Disney characters instead of presidents. I am also a Disney enthusiast on top of it.

The Piccolo Spoleto Festival begins May 27 and there are plenty of things to see and do, including a sand sculpting competition to encourage appreciation for art and the environment. It will take place on the Isle of Palms at Front Beach on May 28 from 9am to noon. Admission is free. Bring your shovels, buckets and sand utensils. Fun for the whole family. Cameras are encouraged. Hopefully the weather will cooperate because sand mixed with  large volumes of water don't adhere together well. Map location.

Other ways to enjoy the celebration of art are the exibits, both painting and photography. Piccolo Spoleto 27th Annual Juried Art Exhibition will showcase works of South Carolina artists. This year’s jurors are Alex Powers (painting/ 2D) and Rick Rhodes (photography). Charleston Visitor Center, 375 Meeting St. Admission: free. May 27-June 10; Daily, 8:30am-5pm. Map location.

Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Exhibition will showcase the works of award-winning South Carolina artists at Marion Square, with free demonstrations each day. King and Calhoun Streets. Admission: free. May 27-June 11; 10am-5pm. Map location.

Jack Alterman Invitational Exhibition: Allende! will debut his documentary film featuring two Charleston artists and a longtime expatriate educator who have made San Miguel their home. Jack Alterman Gallery, 36 George St. Admission:  Free.  May 25-June 12; Mon.-Sat., 10am-6pm; Sun., noon-5pm. Map location.

Looking for tips on sand sculping click here.

It's Near Spoleto Time In Charleston-Join In The Fun

It's Spoleto Festival USA time and it's Piccolo Spoleto Festival time. Wait a minute, which is it? Is it Spoleto Festival or is it Piccolo Spoleto Festival? Both festivals conspicuously take place May 27 thru June 12. The question is: Are they one in the same or two separate festivals occurring simultaneously? To answer that question, we need to investigate its history.

The name Spoleto comes from an ancient city located in Italy situated in the province of Perugia in east central Umbria on a foothill of the Apennines. To put it in perspective, it is centrally located some 131 miles southeast of Florence and 78 miles north of Rome. Spoleto is home to the "Festival dei Due Mondi" also known as the "Festival of the Two Worlds" first organized and founded by Gian Carlo Menotti. The festival has developed into one of the most important cultural manifestations in Italy, with a three-week schedule of music, theater and dance performances.

Gian Carlo Menotti wanted to establish a counterpart of the festival in the USA. So, the organizers searched the US for a city that would offer the same charm and hospitality of Spoleto, Italy, and also its wealth of theaters, churches, and other performance spaces. Charleston was rightly selected and the first festival was held in 1977. Spoleto Festival USA produces its own operas, which are rarely performed masterpieces by well-known composers and also presents theater, dance and music ranging from classical to jazz. It is now one of the world's major performing arts festivals.

While Spoleto Festival USA features artists and performers of national and international renown, the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs wanted to highlight outstanding local and regional artists. Thus, Piccolo Spoleto was established and became the official companion festival, the perfect complement.

Each festival has its own official poster. The poster of the Spoleto Festival is often not well received by the native masses and this years choice is no exception. The official poster is a red, white, and black abstraction of the interior, architectural schematic of London's famed opera house Covent Garden, home of the Royal Opera and the Royal Ballet. The Piccolo Spoleto poster tends to favor local artistic tastes. Both posters are the featured images of this article. You decide for youself?

So, Charleston, for 17 days, will be full of the performing arts. Its theaters and streets will be filled with visitors and locals alike. There is scheduled something for everyone and anybody, a spattering of the diverse artistic expressions in our culture. It is by far the most popular festivals of the year. You can purchase Spoleto tickets and events and Piccolo Spoleto tickets and events. Charleston hotels and accommodations.

A couple of interesting scheduled performances:
Circa-Australia’s most innovative circus company debuts with its newest show, hailed by The Herald (UK) as “truly a circus, but with a poetic, life-affirming modern twist.” Combining heart-stopping acrobatics with contemporary choreography and cheeky humor. Memminger Auditorium June 7-12. Times and tickets. Prices $30-$45. Map location.
The Gentleman Pirate-Great fun, splendidly performed and exhaustively researched. “Grade A,” Charleston City Paper. A one-of-a-kind interactive theatrical event that brings to life the notorious Stede Bonnet. Pure Theatre, Powder Magazine, 79 Cumberland Street. Tickets: $16. Complete list of dates and times. Map location.
Award-winning South Carolina artists display their works at Marion Square, with free demonstrations each day. Marion Square, King and Calhoun Sts. Admission: free. May 27-June 11; 10am-5pm King St. at Calhoun St.