LONG BEACH — Eight-year-old Addy Hill and little sister, Lena, 6, raced along the surf zigzagging through sandcastles as they evaded a rising afternoon tide nipping at their heels.

Moments later the surf would soon erase hours worth of effort, but not before it was savored by all in attendance.

Sand artists of all ages assembled for the annual Sandsations event last week in Long Beach, held Wednesday, July 9, through Saturday, July 13.

The four days of sandcastle-building fun culminated Saturday afternoon on Bolstad Avenue, where teams from across the region competed in a master-level sand sculpting competition along with beginner and family divisions.

Among the winning sculptures was an Alice in Wonderland-inspired scene titled ‘We’re all mad here,’ created by Team Mai Tai, who dethroned 2023 winner Team Form Finders, who finished second this year with their Looney Tunes-inspired scene, featuring Wile E. Coyote and the Roadrunner. In the intermediate division, Issaquah Alps took first place, followed by Team M&M. In the team division, featuring four to eight members, the Sandboxers took first place, followed by Boomerang Gang.

2024 Sandsations Sculpture Winners:

Novice:

Cooper (first place)

Jackson (second place)

Intermediate:

Issaquah Alps (first place)

Team M&M (second place)

Team:

Sandboxers (first place)

Boomerang Gang (second place)

Otter Mom and Pop (third place)

Sandy Britches (fourth place)

Masters:

Team Mai Tai (first place)

Team Form Finders (second place)