Ocala Announces Winners of Inaugural Sand and Sun Festival Sand Sculpting Competition

OCALA, Fla. (May 16, 2026) - The City of Ocala Cultural Arts Division announced the winners of the Sand Sculpting Competition held as part of the inaugural Sand and Sun Festival at Citizens Circle in downtown Ocala.

The competition featured six professional sand sculptors creating large-scale sculptures throughout the day. First and second place winners were selected by a panel of judges from the Appleton Museum. The Fan Favorite Award was selected by festival attendees.

The winners of the 2026 Sand Sculpting Competition are:

• First Place: Andy Daily - Scorpion King, awarded a $1,000 cash prize
• Second Place: Amanda Bolduc - Kindred Spirits, awarded a $600 cash prize
• Fan Favorite Award: Andy Daily - Scorpion King, awarded a $300 cash prize

The City of Ocala thanks the event sponsors: AT&T, Big Hammock, Fun4Ocala Kids, Great American Self Storage of Ocala, K-Country 93.7, Ocala Gazette, Pointe Grand Apartments, Renewal by Andersen, Renuity, Sipping Grounds Midtown, T-Fiber, The Marion Mosaic, TJM Promotions, Travel + Leisure and Wind FM 95.5.

For more information about the Sand and Sun Festival, please contact the City of Ocala Cultural Arts Division at 352-629-8447 or [email protected].

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