Committee approves $46,000 for Sandcastle Days; organizers say event drives shoulder‑season visitation

The South Padre Island Special Events Committee approved a $46,000 funding request for Sandcastle Days, awarding $30,000 for operations and $16,000 for marketing after hearing from event founders and volunteers who described decades of local history and economic impact.

Clayton (last name not provided), owner/operator of Clayton's Beach Bar and the principal organizer, described efforts to reduce the event’s historical city cost and to keep the festival viable. Clayton said the event was transitioned from a city‑run production to a privately produced festival with city support: “We cut the money back from the city substantially to try to keep the event alive and well. And in 2019, the city had UTRGV do a ... survey of Sandcastle Days, and it came out that it was the best return on the event of money spent from the CVB.”

Organizers told the committee they have limited corporate sponsorships, discounted hotel room arrangements and an advertising strategy that is shifting toward online channels. Staff described the $46,000 request as $40,000 for operations and $6,000 for sand; organizers proposed the $16,000 marketing amount and $30,000 for operations in the motion adopted by the committee.

Committee members asked for more corporate sponsor development over time but supported the event as a longtime island tradition that brings shoulder‑season visitors, vendor activity and branding benefits. The motion to approve $16,000 in marketing and $30,000 for operations carried on a voice vote.

Organizers said they will include the SPI/CVB logo in promotions per staff request; staff will provide a post‑event report documenting attendance, sponsorships and hotel‑night estimates.