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Each year Texas SandFest gathers massive crowds to the beach in Port Aransas. The biggest event of the year invites thousands of people to gaze at extraordinary sand art situated along the coast. This year, 20 sculptors from around the world decided to show off their incredible skills for the competition. The event was filled with creative sand artists who choose to create sea turtles, detailed designed sand castles and even elephants.

More info: texassandfest.org

1st Place – Liberty Crumbling, Damon Langlois

Image credits: Kästle

One sculpture at this event stood out the most. Damon Langlois was awarded the first place for his sculpture portraying what’s seems to be a facepalming Lincoln, called “Liberty Crumbling”.

Image credits: Kastle Kelley

The Canadian sculptor was praised for the skillfully made visual representation of the 16th president of the United States. The sculpture began raising questions online with people speculating if the idea behind the artwork is related to the current political situation in the United States.

Image credits: Tinsman

Some people said they believe that the creation perfectly represents how Lincoln would feel about the country today.

2nd Place – Keep it Together, Joris Kivits

Image credits: Kastle Kelley

3rd Place & People’s Choice – Sofia, Remy Hoggard

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Image credits: Kastle Kelley

The Texas SandFest’s Master Sculptor Coordinator, Suzanne Altamare, revealed how the sculptures are judged. “Sand sculptures are judged on originality, degree of difficulty, proper proportions, cleanliness of finished surfaces and the WOW factor,” she said.

She’s a Little Bit City and a Little Bit Country, Delayne Corbett

Image credits: Kastle Kelley

Save the Elephants, Paul Hoggard

Image credits: Kastle Kelley

Attendees have the opportunity to vote for their favorites too. The sculpture with the most votes from visitors gains People’s Choice Award.

Carl Jara

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Image credits: Kastle Kelley

Out of Sight, Out of Mind, Todd Pangborn

Image credits: Kastle Kelley

The Texas Sand Fest Began in 1997. It only took a couple of years for the event to develop into a 3-day family friendly festival. Today the event brings ten of thousands of people and is scheduled when there the least amount of tourists in the area.

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Continental Drip, Jeff Strong

Image credits: Kastle Kelley

Master Duo Competitors: 1st Place – Opposites Attract, Laura Cimador-Gowdy & John Gowdy

Image credits: Kastle Kelley

Apart from checking out the sand art, attendees have the opportunity to enjoy great food, attend concerts and other festivities. Texas SandFest is a non-profit event, all the collected funds are donated to Port Aransas Community Theatre.

Master Duo Competitors: 2nd Place – Party in Your Plants, Morgan Rudluff & Abe Waterman

Image credits: Kastle Kelley

Master Duo Competitors: 3rd Place – Man in Motion, Ted Siebert & Fred Dobbs

Image credits: Kastle Kelley

Here’s how people reacted to the winning sculpture

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