Tag Archives: Castles in the Sand

Building Castles In The Sand

Posted on May 9, 2015 | 2 comments

For some reason, the Castles in the Sand event seems to be held every year on the chilliest Saturday in May.

But for many other reasons, no one cares.

Judging one of the contest entries. (Photo/Jeff Wieser)

Peter Cadoux judging one of the contest entries. (Photo/Jeff Wieser)

It’s one of the most intriguing events on the civic calendar.

It brings a variety of Westport organizations — plus families and friends — to Compo Beach for good-natured competition.

And it’s fun.

Animals seemed to be a theme this afternoon at Compo Beach. (Photo/Jeff Wieser)

Animals were a theme this afternoon at Compo Beach. (Photo/Jeff Wieser)

This year, approximately 40 “lots” were sold.

That’s a lot of sand. A lot of creativity. And a lot of much-needed funds for Homes With Hope, the non-profit that does so much housing good, for so many.

The most colorful creation, by far.

The most colorful creation, by far.

An intricate ziggurat.

Relaxing after building an intricate ziggurat.

I have no idea what this is. But the kids who made it seem to be having a blast.

I have no idea what this is. But the kids who made it seem to be having a blast.

It was cold at Compo today -- and, in a way,

It was cold at Compo today — and, in a way, “Frozen.”

Perhaps the only true

The Greens Farms Church’s lighthouse: intricate, clever and very well constructed.

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Posted in Beach, Children, Organizations

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Castles In The (Soggy) Sand

Posted on May 11, 2013 | 4 comments

Today’s leaden skies threw cold water on Homes With Hope’s 12th annual Castles in the Sand fundraiser.

Only a few of the 34 registered groups braved the weather to create clever, intricate sand sculptures (and raise money for one of Westport’s most impressive organizations).

Organizers extended the event another day. Tomorrow’s forecast is slightly better than today: partly cloudy.

Out in force today was Builders Beyond Borders. This year’s service trip was to Guyana, so their sculpture incorporated that country’s flag, and its famed Kaieteur Falls (it actually works — see it below, right in the middle?).

Builders Beyond Borders members (from left): Tom Wormser, Leo McElroy, Michael Ferry, Maggie Sherin, Selena Lauria, Corey Werner, Noah Bender, Claire Smith and Ileana Muxo.

Builders Beyond Borders members (from left): Tom Wormser, Leo McElroy, Michael Ferry, Maggie Sherin, Selena Lauria, Corey Werner, Noah Bender, Claire Smith and Ileana Muxo.

Meanwhile, Emily Harris and Grace Olsen made a comfy sofa out of sand (below). The cat — sitting on the left — is named (of course) Sandy.

Emily Harris and Grace Olsen

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Posted in Beach, Organizations, People

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Castles Etc. In The Sand

Posted on May 15, 2010 | 4 comments

Perfect weather made for perfect sand-building this afternoon — and homeless people couldn’t be happier.

The 9th annual “Castles in the Sand” drew more than 150 participants.  Hundreds of spectators admired their handiwork:  animals, mythical creatures, half-clad women, even a few castles.

The event raised thousands of dollars for Homes With Hope, which provides facilities and support services to homeless people.

A sand toad, and a ceramic one.

A Greek goddess.

Jeff Wieser (Homes With Hope CEO) and a lobster. These are not sand sculptures.

The Inn at Longshore (patio view). Scott Smith, chairman of the Longshore 50th anniversary committee, is on the right; he built this with his son (Cole Prowitt-Smith, middle), and RTM member Eileen Flug (left).

"Politics as Usual," say the shells. Yes, they all do have their heads in the sand.

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Building Castles For A Cause

Posted on May 16, 2009 | Comments Off on Building Castles For A Cause

A man’s home is his castle.  This afternoon, the Interfaith Housing Association hosted an event to help ensure that more Westport men and women have castles — or at least homes — of their own.

“Castles in the Sand” drew hundreds of people of all ages to Compo Beach.  Working in groups of 5 to 20, they purchased over 30 “building lots,” at $100 and $300 per plot.  The proceeds went to the IHA.  The sand stayed there — or was tracked home.

Joe D'Anna poses with his serpent. It's eating a duck -- though in Westport, a Canada goose might be more welcome.

Joe D'Anna poses with his serpent. It ate a duck -- though in Westport, a Canada goose might be more welcome.

Randy Williamson works on the Terex Corporation entry. Why an octopus? "No idea," he said. "I just showed up."

Randy Williamson works on the Terex Corporation entry. Why an octopus? "No idea," he said. "I just showed up."

Robin Myers puts the finishing touches on a Sphinx. "There were kids working too, when we can find 'em," he reported. Among those kids: Egyptian-born Ramez Crump.

Robin Myers puts the finishing touches on a Sphinx. "There were kids working too, when we can find 'em," he reported. Among those kids: Egyptian-born Ramez Crump.

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