Beloved Hamptons Summer Sandcastle Contest Goes Digital

Typically, in early August, Atlantic Avenue Beach in Amagansett is decorated with a plethora of eye-catching designs created in sand as part of the Clamshell Foundation’s beloved annual Sandcastle Contest.

Unfortunately, an in person contest will not happen this year. But, the Clamshell Foundation is still encouraging all to create a masterpiece out of sand for their Virtual Sandcastle Contest.

The 2020 Clamshell Foundation t-shirt. (Courtesy Photo)

“We are sad we are not able to host our annual sandcastle contest in person this year, we will miss seeing everyone and working with our team of amazing high school volunteers,” Kori Peters, President of the Clamshell Foundation, relayed. “However, we wanted to ensure our tradition continued and are excited to see what everyone creates from afar.”

On Saturday, August 8, find a scenic sandy spot and get down to business. Once completed, tag the Clamshell Foundation on social media or email a picture of the creation to [email protected] . The top three entries will be awarded the Foundation’s 2020 limited edition t-shirt and poster.

The 1st Annual East Hampton Sandcastle Contest was held at Atlantic Avenue Beach on August 26, 1992. The competition was established by The Clamshell Foundation founder, Rossetti Perchik, A.I.A. While residing in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Perchik had come across a Sandcastle Contest on the banks of the Arkansas River. Once he moved back to East Hampton in 1987, he was surprised that the East End, home to some of the world’s most magnificent beaches, didn’t host their own.

Winners of the 2020 iteration will be notified on Sunday, August 9.

“We wish everyone the best – stay safe and we can’t wait to be back at the beach for the Sandcastle Contest next year,” Peters added.

The 2020 Clamshell Foundation poster and t-shirt features Ramble by Sag Harbor artist Frank Wimberley. The poster is available for $40, while the t-shirt is $30. A special limited edition poster reprint of the Foundation’s 1995 T-shirt image by Roy Lichtenstein, Nude On the Beach (1977), is also available for $40.

The Clamshell Foundation was established in 1992 to support the East End’s people, initiatives, and organizations. 100 percent of all proceeds the Foundation raises is reinvested back into the community. Earlier this year, the Clamshell Foundation, along with East End Cares, established the emergency “5 for Food” campaign. The East End-based organizations encourage those who can to donate $5 in support of the fight against local food insecurity and the East Hampton Food Pantry, Springs Food Pantry, Sag Harbor Food Pantry, and Montauk Food Pantry.

For more information about the Sandcastle Contest and Clamshell Foundation, visit www.clamshellfoundation.com.