Castle Contest Hits the Beach

    It’s time to whip out those sculpting tools, and whatever else is needed to carve out those bas-reliefs, creatures, and cities from the sand.

    The Clamshell Foundation’s 20th East Hampton SandCastle Contest will take place on Saturday at Atlantic Avenue Beach in Amagansett from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The rain date is Sunday.

     Good fun for all ages, trophies and prizes are awarded in five categories: Sand Fleas, for children up to age 8 (with an adult), Sand Hoppers (9 to 15-year-olds), Sand Tribes (families), Sand Shapers (adults), and Sand Pros, (professionals). Admission to attend is free; to compete costs $10 for up to six people. The money raised from registration fees, the sale of T-shirts and other merchandise, and any other donations go to various local charitable causes helped out by the Clamshell Foundation.

     A few caveats from Rossetti Perchik, the founder: No going in the dunes for any reason. Never leave children alone. No building in front of the lifeguard stands. No power tools, pumps, or bulldozers, and only indigenous beach materials will be allowed.