Annual Labor Day Sand Creation Contest

Fire Island National Seashore holds a sand creation contest every year falling on Labor Day weekend. The contest is held at Watch Hill and also at Sailors Haven. Entry is free and sign-up starts at 10 am. Three hours later the creations are judged by Fire Island staff. At 2 pm, an awards ceremony is held. If you missed it this year make sure to mark it on your calendar for next year! Join us annually to put your creativity and building skills into action to celebrate the end of the summer season.

All ages are accommodated through our age-based team system. The age groups consist of 5-7, 8-12, 13-17, Adult and Team (mixed ages). With enough contestants, first, second and third place prizes are given for each age group. Creations are judged based on creativity, effort, originality and detail.

The contest was held on September 4, 2011. Sailors Haven had a fairly large turn out with 98 participants and 21 creations! The 8-12 age group had a tie for first place with "Pompei the Aftermath" and "Zodiac/Boogy Board." "Mermaid" took first place in the 13-17 age category. A pirate ship won the adult age group and a crocodile took the win for the team category. Second and third place prizes were awarded in all age groups.

Watch Hill had 41 participants with 11 sand creations. While every age group had first place through third place awards given, a special overall winner award was given to a father/daughter duo, going by the name "Blue Claws," for their intricate sculpture of a mermaid.