Dates Announced for the 2017 Siesta Key Crystal Classic International Sand Sculpting Festival

Sarasota, FL, June 20, 2017 – This November 10^th-13^th, twenty-four of the premier master sand sculptors from all over the world will be competing for 1^st place on the #1 beach. Several artists from past years will be joining us again, including last year’s first place winners, Abe Waterman and Walter MacDonald as well as Kirk Rademaker and Matt Long.

The Siesta Key Crystal Classic is a visual and cultural arts festival now in its 8th year and the festival has hosted over 200,000 attendees on the #1 beach in the USA!

In only 24 sculpting hours, (spanning the four day event), the master sculptors create sand masterpieces, some over ten feet tall, and transform the always beautiful Siesta Beach into an outdoor art gallery. It represents some of the most beautiful, ephemeral works of art your eyes will ever see.

And it’s more than just sand…the festival also features live music throughout the event along with a large village of shopping and food and drink vendors. Other activities include the popular three day “Quick Sand” competition, sand sculpting lessons, an amateur competition and – The Learning Curve – and educational and fun area for the kids.

New this year – the festival will be open Friday and Saturday night until 9 pm with live music by Reverend Barry & Funktastic Soul Friday night and One Night Rodeo Saturday night. Drinks will be flowing at the party tent and the sculptures will be lit through a fabulous light display.

Visit our website: www.siestakeycrystalclassic.com, for information regarding the 2017 event schedule, advance tickets sales and parking passes.

The Siesta Key Crystal Classic is owned by Siesta Beach Festival, Inc., a 501(c)3, non-profit corporation. The event is produced by the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce to promote tourism, local businesses, the visual arts, and sea turtle conservation awareness through a collaborative partnership with the community.

Founded in 2010, The Crystal Classic is a result of discussions between master sand sculptor and Siesta Key resident Brian Wiglesworth and representatives of the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, Sarasota County Parks and Recreation, Mote Marine Laboratory and Visit Sarasota County.