Hampton Beach schedules 26th annual Sand Sculpture Event and wide summer lineup

Greg Grady, the Sand Sculpture Event organizer, said the 26th annual Hampton Beach Sand Sculpture Event will be held June 19–20 with awards on June 20 at 7:30 p.m. and People’s Choice voting at 1:00 p.m. that day. "This will be the 26th annual sand sculpture event at Hampton Beach," Grady said, noting the theme is “From Sea to Shining Sea America the Beautiful 250th Anniversary” and that John Stark, born in Derry, N.H., will be honored. He said last year’s top three finishers will return and the field includes artists from Russia, California and Latvia; sculptures will remain on display through June 28.

Amanda Olstead, Co-Marketing Director, said posters are finishing at the printer and advertising is running with the Concord Monitor; calendars for the season are complete. Amanda Morneault, Entertainment Director, said the performance schedule is set with revised evening set times and thanked local hotel The Sands for donating three rooms for visiting artists. "Everything is off to a great start," Morneault said.

Co-Marketing Director Lisa Martineau outlined additional programs: Yoga on the Beach will begin June 23 on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:00 a.m.; Movies on the Beach start July 6; fireworks are scheduled for July 1 and July 4; and a possible car show is tentatively planned for Sept. 19 or may be deferred to next year. Martineau also said the State is offering a Junior Lifeguard program for children 8–15 running July 7–Aug. 6 on Tuesdays and Thursdays (10 sessions) at a cost of $150.

The events staff noted logistical supports including two cameras with street and beach views, and thanked volunteers and local partners for preparations. The board’s announcements and the organizers’ timeline are intended to guide visitors through event dates, awards and viewing periods.