B. Rowlen, Staff Writer
B. Keenan, Staff Photographer
The morning of September Third brought us the annual Sand Castle Building Contest. A bright, warm day of family fun in the sand and sun on the shores of Lake Gregory. Children and adults alike jumped into the friendly competition creating creatures of the deep and imaginative sculptures sprung to life.
A mermaid, created by the Donovan sisters (10 & 12) of Crestline, CA featured a bright green tail, and sparkling blue fish accenting the centerpiece. They were awarded, Honorable Mention in the Kids Category.
Steve the Duck, masterminded by Aiden Mahoney (10) of Azusa, CA. When asked where he got his inspiration, Aiden replied, “I looked at the lake and saw all of the ducks swimming, they were having fun, so I made one.” Steve the Duck was a modern duck tending the nest of eggs portrayed by rocks. He was awarded, Second Place in the Kids Category.
A turtle, sculpted by Brendan Mahoney (8) of Azusa, CA, and his cousin Faye Cardella (11) of Sierra Madre, CA. Featured all found items from the lake and its shores, the two created an underwater scene, including a pair of divers goggles and “sea weed” from grasses. They were awarded, First Place in the Kids Category.
Continuing the excursion down the sand was a Kracken, by Violet Cardella (13) of Sierra Madre, CA. The Kracken was coated in grasses found at the shore and when asked why she chose to use them, Violet responded “I wanted to give it some texture and make him stand out.” She was awarded, Honorable Mention in the Kids Category.
A massive squid was molded by Lance Eckhart, Crystal (Last Name Withheld), and his children; Royce (16) and Kiera (14). The squid featured apples for its eyes and intricate details. The family is 12-year veterans of the competition and former mountain Residents. Lance commented, “We moved of the mountain about 8 years ago, but it is tradition to come back and participate in the contest. It gives us an excuse to visit home.” The family was awarded, First Place in the Adult Category.
The final sculpture was of a Skull flanked by a Koi Fish. A mother daughter team worked diligently, keeping their creation moist to accent the detail, especially the scales on the fish. The team was awarded, Second Place in the Adult Category.
The Mahoney and Cardella kids are cousins who’s families bought neighboring vacation homes in Crestline and love coming to the community. They try to spend as much time at the beach each summer as they can squeeze in. The kids took the opportunity to turn it into a fun family competition as well for bragging rights, and said, “We will definitely be back to compete next year.”
David Lipchik, a representative of Lake Gregory Management, presented the prizes for all of the competitors. Honorable mentions received, a one-day water park pass for each person involved in the creation. Second place winners received, a family four pack of annual beach passes. Finally, first place winners received, a family four pack of annual water park passes. All awards are good for the 2019 summer season.
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