The return of the third annual Singing Sands Sand Sculpting Festival, June 7-9 in Washington Park, will bring back some familiar faces, as well as welcome some new talented sculptors. Bill and Marianne Knight of the Sand Lovers, LLC, have released the artist line-up for this year’s festival.

“This year we have a total of 17 competing sculptors representing nine different states and two countries,’” said Bill Knight. “The Singing Sands Sand Sculpting Festival has quickly become a recognized competition within the sand sculpting industry. Michigan City is the perfect place to host a sand sculpting competition; from the Mayor, the Special Events team, the Park Department, to the people, it’s always a pleasure to be part of the event.”

Returning for a third straight year are Master Sculptors Christy Atkinson of Franklin, TX, Bruce Peck of St. Louis, MO, and Laurie Tournoux of Navarre, OH. Bert Adams of Yacolt, WA makes his second straight appearance, and newcomers Emerson Schreiner of Galveston, TX, and Séveline Beauregard of Montreal, Canada round out the Master’s category. 

“I am so excited for this year’s Singing Sands Sand Sculpting Festival,” said Michigan City Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch. “I really enjoyed watching the entire process at the first two events and was fascinated by the intricate details incorporated into such massive sand sculptures. The masterpieces that have been created from Michigan City’s famous singing sands have been incredible.”

Mayor Angie also recognized Bill and Marianne Knight for their commitment to the event. “Our partner, The Sand Lovers LLC, has brought some phenomenal sculptors to our lakefront, so I’m really looking forward to seeing what they have is store for us as we move into our third year of this festival.”

Returning for a third year in the Semi-Pro category will be Darrell O’Connor of Dewey Beach, DE, Scott Triplett of Grand Rapids, MI, Janet Schrader of Lakeside, MI, Mark Wilson of Astatula, FL, Dottie Willison of Melvin, M, and Marci Cowels of Louisville, OH. Making their second appearance is Shannon Fishback of Acworth, GA, Lane Lee of Toledo, OH, and Bob May of St. Clair Shores, MI. Newcomers Jordyn Denomme of Port Huron, MI and Bob Lechtenberg of Hartland, WI will test their ability in the challenging singing sands of Lake Michigan.

The Singing Sands Sand Sculpting Festival runs June 7-9 and will include Master, Semi-Pro and Amateur sand sculpting contests, sand sculpting shows, food and craft vendors, live music and beach bar, and a kids-zone. The event will also include a charitable component, the Community Challenge. Local companies and organizations will compete to raise money for local LaPorte County charities. The festival opens daily at 10:00 am with activities and live entertainment throughout the day. Tickets are available per day at the gate for $5.00. Children 6 and under are free with a paying adult. All tickets are sold at the gate.

Visit our Facebook page, Michigan City Special Events, for more information. Visit www.thesandlovers.com to learn more about The Sand Lovers and professional sand sculpting events.