AIA Sandcastle Competition 2009

Presented by American Institute of Architects (AIA Houston) at Galveston East Beach

June 6, 2009

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For over two decades in the first part of June, Houston area architects, designers, engineers and contractors have taken their tools to East Beach in Galveston for what is considered one of the world’s largest sandcastle competitions. The Houston Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) sponsors the AIA Sandcastle Competition 2009 the annual contest where some 80 teams have their eyes (and shovels) set on...

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For over two decades in the first part of June, Houston area architects, designers, engineers and contractors have taken their tools to East Beach in Galveston for what is considered one of the world’s largest sandcastle competitions. The Houston Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) sponsors the AIA Sandcastle Competition 2009 the annual contest where some 80 teams have their eyes (and shovels) set on winning the prestigious "Golden Bucket" award.

Firms begin months in advance generating ideas, developing designs, and assigning duties. On the day of the event, the teams stretch along the beach meticulously sculpting their sand piles and working non-stop for five hours. The judging of the sandcastles is rated on originality of concept, artistic execution of the concept, technical difficulty, carving technique, and utilization of the site.

At the end of the day, everyone goes home with memories of a great day on the beach filled with fun, sun, sand, and sea.

Green Sandcastles?
The AIA is mainstreaming green at this year's Sandcastle event. In 2007, we instituted beverage container recycling with remarkable participation. The effort reduced the amount of waste destined to the landfill by diverting plastic bottles and aluminum cans to the recycling center.

We will initiate recycling within the event teams and sponsors for larger participation in being environmentally responsible at the beach. Waste Management is providing the recycling containers and volunteers to help make the recycling effort as smooth as possible.

Join us as we strive to reduce our carbon footprint.

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Galveston East Beach

1923 Boddeker Dr.
Galveston, TX 77550

Full map and directions

Tickets:

Free Event for public viewing.

Participation as a sandcastle team:
Team Registration Fee is $200 per team.

The fee includes T-shirts and event wristbands (which allow access to sponsor tents and their giveaways) for up to 10 team members. There is a fee of $15 for each additional team member beyond the initial 10.

Team registration ends April 21. Click here for more information.

Times:

6:30 - 10:00 am Mandatory Team Check-in at East Beach. Rain date to be determined if required.
7:00 - 8:30 am Beach open for access to sites
8:30 - 9:00 am Clear beach of all vehicles unloading equipment and supplies
10:00 am - 3:00 pm SandCastle Building -
3:00 - 4:30 pm SandCastle Judging
4:30 - 5:00 pm Awards Ceremony
3:00 pm - Dusk Pictures of all sandcastles and winning team

Phone: (713) 520-0155

Parking: Directions from Houston: Travel Interstate 45 South to The Galveston Causeway. Upon entering Galveston, Interstate 45 becomes Broadway. Continue down Broadway til you reach Seawall Boulevard. Turn left onto Seawall. Continue down Seawall until it ends, then turn right on Boddeker Drive. Follow the signs to East Beach!

East Beach holds about 7,000 cars on a huge wide open beach and is a perfect setting for ticketed outdoor concerts and festivals. East Beach welcomes national and local promoters, advertisers and beach enthusiasts.

Accessibility Info: Currently, no accessibility information is available for this event.

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