Mill Creek MetroParks will give landlocked Ohioans a chance to play in the sand Sunday at its annual Sunfest.
The sand sculpture contest is one of the main attractions of the summer event. Teams or individuals can purchase one-ton piles of sand, and they have three hours to shape those piles into whatever they want.
Linda Kostka, development and marketing director for the MetroParks, said, We supply everything the sand, the water and hoses for people, and then everyone can bring whatever they want to decorate and sculpt with.
For the first time, the contest will be divided into three divisions: adult (age 18 and older), youth (17 and younger) and family division (all ages mixed).
The MetroParks brings in 30 piles of sand to the Wick Recreation Area, and the event traditionally sell out. The entry fee is $8, and piles of sand can be reserved by calling 330-740-7107.
Sculptors in the past have drawn inspiration from their surroundings.
Weve had (sand sculptures of) Lantermans Mill, Pioneer Pavilion, sun goddesses and all kinds of animals, from alligators to turtles, Kostka said.
The sculpture contest runs from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Sunfest starts with a nine-hole Closest to the Pin contest at the Mill Creek Golf Course from 8 a.m. to noon. Prizes will be awarded for each hole, and the cost is $5.
Returning from 2010 will be a Zumba Fest from 9:45 to 11 a.m. that is free and open to all skill levels. A mile-long hike will commence at 11 a.m., and childrens activities and a craft project are planned from noon to 3 p.m.
One change made last year that will continue for 2012 is an expanded musical lineup.
In the past, we hadnt had any music in the afternoon, Kostka said. We thought it would be nice to have musical entertainment while the people were sculpting.
Julius Veal will perform solo R&B and soul music from 1 to 3:30 p.m. during the sculpture contest, and he will be followed by the smooth jazz and soul of Savoy at 5 p.m. and the reggae band Rainbow Tribe at 6:30 p.m. Musical performances take place in Judge Morley Pavilion.
Admission to Sunfest is free. For more information, call 330-702-3000.