Crowds of competitors will convene on Belmar beach for the New Jersey Sandcastle Contest on Wednesday, July 10, 2024. This family-favorite event draws all ages of sandcastle sculptors and spectators to 17th-19th Avenue beaches in Belmar for a day of digging and sculpting by the sea.
The Belmar Sandcastle Contest begins with registration at 8:00 a.m. Admission to 18th Avenue beach is free for contest participants — just bring your sand pails, shovels, and creative flair!
Judging for the Belmar NJ Sandcastle Contest begins at 12:00 p.m. The judges will evaluate each entry for its originality, creativity, resourcefulness, and use of accessories. Because the tide eventually washes the sandcastle designs into the ocean, participants should use natural ingredients and environmentally safe materials when creating their masterpieces.
First, second, and third prizes will be awarded in the following categories, along with a Best on Beach award:
Age 7 and under
Age 8 to 11
Age 12 to 15
Age 16+
Camps and recreation
Family
Classic sandcastle
RELATED: Upcoming Events In Belmar
In 2022, the Best On Beach award went to a Buddha face sand sculpture. For several years prior to 2022, the Bikini Boys from Seaside Heights, New Jersey, snagged the Best On Beach award with their elaborate sand sculptures. They took home first prize in 2021 with "Finding Nemo" and in 2019 with "SpongeBob Riding a Sea Serpent," their tribute to the 20th anniversary of SpongeBob SquarePants.
In 2018, the Bikini Boys won top honors with their "Yabba Dabba Do" Flinstones-themed sandcastle, while in 2017, they edged out the competition with their stunning “Etch-a-Dragon" creation. (The 2020 Sandcastle Contest was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.)
The Belmar NJ Sandcastle Contest is presented by the Belmar Tourism Commission and D’Jais. In case of rain, the event will be rescheduled for Thursday, July 11. Admission to 18th Avenue beach will be free during the Sandcastle Contest. Spaces on the beach for contestants are available on a first-come, first-served basis between 17th and 19th Avenues.
For more information, contact Belmar Tourism officials at 732-681-3700, ext. 214, or email us with any questions.
Story and photos © copyright by Christine Cardellino, owner of www.VacationInBelmar.com and publisher of the award-winning Belmar Beachcomber Blog, a travel and tourism guide for the Belmar region of the Jersey Shore. Do not copy any content (including images) without our permission. All rights reserved.
Live Like A Local: Rent A Belmar Beach House
Day trips down the shore are fun, but it's even better to rent a beach house for the week to experience everything wonderful about the Belmar area. For couples, solo adults and small families, the two-bedroom Blue Hydrangea Cottage rental in Belmar, New Jersey, is the perfect getaway place. The home sleeps up to four people and is consistently rated five stars for cleanliness, amenities and location. Learn more at www.vacationinbelmar.com.
