The Booth Brothers famously wrote “Castles in the Sand,” and the lyrics have ever since been used as a metaphor for building on dreams, temporary or fleeting.
Here in Delaware, building castles in the sand is a passion for many. Self proclaimed “Sand Bears,” a local group of sandcastle enthusiasts (they call themselves sand artisans) are actively entertaining beachgoers with their intricate creations.
Sand Bear of forty years Andy West was recently interviewed by Delaware Beach Life magazine. Regarding the brevity of sandcastles before they succumb to tides, rain or – goodness forbid – vandalism from a passerby, he’s quoted as saying, “That doesn’t bother me,” citing how the artisans just move onto the next construction project.
Sandcastles are ethereal, but that is part of the magic that the artists and passersby experience.
West, along with several other sand artists often travel to other beaches for competitions and displays. Delaware Seashore State Park recently held the 44th Annual Sand Castle Contest. Prior to 2020, the competition was held in Rehoboth Beach. This year’s July contest included teams and a division for kids under 12.
Those who competed for years in Rehoboth Beach are disappointed that the city has dropped the contest previously held in August, drawing crowds and competitors from afar. But on any given day, chances are you will come across a sandcastle that makes people of all ages smile. And what child has never given building with sand a try at the beach?
Although the sand quality of our beaches is described as less than ideal by some of the artists, often because of pebbles and seashells that wash ashore, the aficionados adjust. Some even have finer sand delivered to the beach.
Generally, there are no blueprints for their designs. Sand Bears begin with a mound of sand, and using buckets, sea water and various tools, the castles (or crabs, or other creations) begin to take shape. As any Rehoboth visitor can tell you, they are often massive and always intricate.
Delaware Beach Life also singles out the local rock star of sandcastles, Darrell O’Connor who since the 1980s has competed regionally and nationally. He’s won the Rehoboth contest more than once. He has even built sandcastles for weddings and doesn’t hesitate to bring in higher quality sand for his special occasion designs.
Castle building goes on in Delaware year-round. The Sand Bears celebrate the mood of February’s Rehoboth Beach Polar Bear Plunge by building their largest sandcastle of the year. It’s a perennial crowd pleaser. A bulldozer traditionally creates a massive mound the day before for the artists to create together from a blank slate.
Next time you are wandering the beaches of Delaware, look for these fabulous works of art. They are, after all, temporary and a fleeting moment of art history for all to enjoy.
By Bridget FitzPatrick
I remember when Darrell first started building castles in Dewey Beach, prior to becoming a dad. As I scrolled down through your words, I was hoping there would be a mention of Darrell, and there was! I’m proud of him.
Sand Castles in Lewes, De
The Sandcastle Lady just left Lewes bay. She builds and teaches kids and adults for 5 weeks every summer in August and September. She shares her building tools: buckets, molds DQ spoons and shows you how. We all miss her when she goes home. Another great season.