Singing Sands Sand Sculpting Festival Community Challenge 2023 Michigan City Special Events Adds Charitable Component to Popular Event

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MICHIGAN CITY, IN, March 16, 2023 – The return of the Singing Sands Sand Sculpting Festival to Michigan City’s Washington Park will feature a new amateur competition that will help raise funds for local LaPorte County charities. The Singing Sands Sand Sculpting Festival Community Challenge will take place on Saturday, June 10, as a part of the three-day sand sculpting festival scheduled for June 9, 10 and 11. The Community Challenge will allow local businesses, professional groups, service organizations and anyone that wants to participate a chance to raise funds for the charity of their choice. The entry fee per six-person team is $2,000 with half of that fee going to local charities, and the goal is to secure a minimum of 20 teams and maximum of 30 teams. “We are so excited to announce this new initiative,” said Terry Greetham, Director of Special Events for Michigan City. “The Community Challenge gives us a chance to give back to our community and allow groups to experience the fun and satisfaction of this incredible art form. By securing 20 teams, we will be able to put $20,000 back in to our community. If we can reach 30 teams, $30,000 can make a big impact on our local charities.” Each team that registers for the Community Challenge will name a local LaPorte County charity to represent. Teams will create a unique sand sculpture with the only requirements being it must include their group name, and it must include the name or logo of the charity they are representing. Teams will be given hands-on training by professional sand sculptors, and an equal amount of sand and time to create their sculpture. The sculptures will then be judged by the professional sand sculptors, and medals will be given to the teams that finish in the top five. The payout to the local charities will be based on the total number of entries, with the top five entries receiving larger payouts, but every charity that is represented by a team will receive a cash payout. “This is such a great addition to this amazing event,” said Mayor Duane Parry. “This festival is so unique and gives us the chance to celebrate our beautiful lakefront, and now we have the chance to help local charities, which is a win for everyone in our community.” “We can’t wait to get back to Michigan City this summer,” said Bill Knight of the Sand Lovers. “We have some new Master and Semi-pro sculptors lined up this year. We are especially excited about the addition of the Community Challenge. It’s an excellent way for the event to continue giving back to the local community.” Teams can register for the Singing Sands Sand Sculpting Festival Community Challenge by contacting Eric Williams at ewilliams@emichigancity.com. MEDIA CONTACTS: Terry Greetham Bill Knight Michigan City Special Events The Sand Lovers, LLC (219) 873-4371 (239) 826-4500 tgreetham@emichigancity.com bill@thesandlovers.com