Sandblast 2015 Packs the Beach at Tod’s Point

Sandblast sand sculpture contest 2015 at Greenwich Point. Credit: Leslie Yager

Sandblast 2015 continued a decades-long tradition in Greenwich. The sun was bright and the air was a pleasant 82°, drawing a crowd to the beach. Credit: Leslie Yager

The annual Sand Blast sand sculpture contest at Greenwich Point benefited from one of the most perfect Saturdays of the summer.

One life guard commented that she hadn’t seen the beach so full of people this year with the exception of 4th of July.

Earlier in the week, Paul Master-Karnik, the director of the Greenwich Arts Council said the sand sculpture contest goes back over thirty years. “A lot of serious sculptors arrive early to stake out the best vantage point,” he said. “The serious sculptures bring major construction tools — from shovels to pails.”

The popular Greenwich Avenue restaurant Meli-Melo returned as sponsor and the range of creativity was broad. With sculptures ranging from mermaids and turtles to “Minions” and castles, many of the projects were family affairs.

Teek Eaton-Koch put finishing touches on his “Rome-in-a-Day” sculpture. Credit: Leslie Yager

“Three time’s a charm,” said Patricia Troiano of Parks & Rec who was working the event for the third time. “The sculptors did not disappoint,” she added, with a nod to a sand sculpture entitled “Rome-in-a-Day,” which was enjoying finishing touches from Teek Eaton-Koch.

Eaton-Koch, who is originally from Greenwich and graduated GHS in 2005, said four people assisted, including Mark Armstrong. His design included a miniature Colosseum, which was fitting for the illustrator / designer who also does architectural renderings.