The Parksville Sand Sculpting Competition & Exhibition is an annual event that showcases the incredible talent of sand sculptors from around the world. This year, the competition was particularly memorable not only for the stunning sculptures but also for an unfortunate incident of vandalism that disrupted the event. The event, which took place in Parksville's Community Park, featured a diverse range of sculptures, from the winning piece by Abe Waterman to the doubles category winner 'Touched by the Beast' by Henneke Supply and Helena Bangert. The competition attracted a wide range of participants, from seasoned professionals like Waterman and Koet to newcomers like Damon Langlois, who came in fourth place in the soloist division.
Waterman, a seasoned sand sculptor from Prince Edward Island, won the top prize for his piece, reflecting on the challenges of time management in the competition. He shared, "Maybe you don’t have a good relationship or you’re not close to somebody — just knocking those out of the way, and moving on." Waterman's win marks a significant achievement, as he has been competing at the Parksville event for several years. His upcoming project in San Diego highlights the global reach and impact of sand sculpting.
The doubles category was won by Henneke Supply and Helena Bangert for their entry 'Touched by the Beast'. Supply explained the sculpture's message: "She’s on the phone, just disappeared, and she’s not in connection. It conveys the message: ‘Do you want to be touched by technology, or nature?’" The sculpture, a beast-like figure representing nature and beauty, was a crowd favorite, and Supply expressed his honor in creating art in front of so many people in Parksville.
Thomas Koet, a world-renowned sand sculptor, added to his impressive resume by winning the competitors' choice in the solo division for his entry 'Daddy's Little Monster'. Koet, who typically creates rough pen-and-paper sketches before executing his plans, emphasized the importance of balancing sand usage for various components. His win in Parksville adds to his already impressive record, having won the solo category in 2023 and 2024, and the solo category champion last year.
However, the event was marred by vandalism. Festival president Cheryl Dill expressed devastation over the damage caused, with four doubles category structures and the berm showcasing key corporate partners being damaged. The 'Beauties and Beasts' sculpture at the front gate, a popular picture-taking element, was also decimated. The doubles teams, as a result, opted not to award a competitors' choice winner, instead splitting the prize earnings evenly.
Dill highlighted the resilience of the sculptors, who rallied to make repairs and refinements throughout Sunday. She also noted the importance of enhancing on-site security to better protect the standing sculptures. The perimeter fencing was sealed shut overnight, and security cameras, combined with public tips, are aiding the Oceanside RCMP investigation. The sand sculptures, located behind the Parksville Curling Club, can be viewed by donation daily from 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. until August 16.
In conclusion, the Parksville Sand Sculpting Competition & Exhibition is a testament to the creativity and skill of sand sculptors. While the event was disrupted by vandalism, the resilience of the sculptors and the support of the community ensured that the competition continued. The event not only showcases the beauty of sand sculptures but also highlights the importance of preserving and protecting these temporary works of art. As the sculptures are displayed for public viewing, it serves as a reminder of the fragility of these creations and the need for vigilance in their protection.
