
Register for the Amateur Competition
Registration Now Open! Click HERE
Registration Deadline: April 21, 2025, 11:59 PM​​
NOTE: Registration will close early if all plots are filled before the deadline date.
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About the Amateur Competition
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Competition Hours
One-Day Amateur Competition: Saturday, April 26, 2025.
Two-Day Open Competition: Friday & Saturday, April 25-26, 2025
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Guppies & Youth: Saturday 9:00AM - Noon​
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Teen & Adult: Saturday 8:30AM - 4:30PM
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Two Day Open Solo & Teams
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Friday Noon - 5:30PM​
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Saturday 8:30AM - 4:00PM
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Check-In
You will receive your packets and wristbands at check-in.
Early Check-In:
Friday, April 25, 10:00AM - 6:30PM at the Volunteer Tent (Located at the South entrance at SandFest)
Saturday, April 26, 7:30AM - 8:20AM (South entrance to SandFest)
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Plots
The number of competition plots are limited to the size of the amateur area. Registration will end when the competition area is full or the deadline date.
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Guppy: 5'x5'
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Youth: 5'x5'
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Teen & Adult Solo: 8'x8'
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Teen & Adult Teams: 12'x12'
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Water will be provided on a limited basis through tankards and troughs in the event area. Contestants are encouraged to bring barrels and buckets to gather water from these sources, as needed.
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Allowed/ Not Allowed
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Family, Teen and Adult category competitors will be permitted to bring in chairs and tents to set up in a designated area next to their plots.
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Youth and Guppy category competitors are permitted to bring chairs and small shade items, such as umbrellas, to set up in the general parent sitting area.
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All competitors will be provided a Cooler Pass. Competitors may bring snacks, food and beverages in their coolers.
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Rules
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All participants must check in prior to the contest time.
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All work must be done within your designated plot.
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Only sand from within designated plot may be used.
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Decorative materials may be used, but all non-biodegradable items must be removed immediately after judging.
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Nothing may be added to the sand except water (no paint, flour, sugar, cement, clay or adhesives, etc.)
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Only registered participants are allowed inside plots.
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No power tools may be used inside the plots.
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Holes must be filled. Trash and equipment must be removed before the judging.
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All forms must be removed after the contest is over. There will be a $200 clean-up fee assessed for non-removal.
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Judging
Judging is based on:
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Originality and imagination
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Degree of technical difficulty
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Artistic merit
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Decisions of the judges are final
Awards
Winners will be announced at 5:00PM Saturday in the Entertainment Tent. Time is subject to change. Guppy & Youth competitors will have awards announced 15 minutes after competition in the Guppy & Youth area.
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Weather
Texas SandFest is an outdoor event, located physically on the beach, and will happen rain or shine. There will be no refunds given because of inclement weather.
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Questions?
Contact the Texas SandFest Amateur Coordinator at amateur@texassandfest.org