Sanding Ovation.......

This past weekend was an awesome time in Treasure Island on the beach with the 3rd annual Sanding Ovations Master Sand Sculpture Competition with 10 sculptors from around the globe vying for the 1st prize and Master's Cup. Sunny skies, 80 degree temperatures, balmy breezes and music, food and merchandise all contributed to the fun-filled, exciting weekend that brought a huge crowd throughout the 4-day event. The winner of the competition was Jan Selen from Amsterdam, Holland with his winning sculpture "We are all Individuals" (see photo below). Super congrats to the City of Treasure Island, Treasure Island Chamber of Commerce, Meredith Corson from Sanding Ovations and all the sponsors who helped make this a great event. Music throughout the weekend was orchestrated by our own local Jeff Jensen who definately rounded out the talent and gave us all a taste of everything starting with two locals bands on Friday night - SunzaBeaches and Kent Pearson and the Roadhouse Rockers followed by American Idol Finalist Danny Gokey who had a Meet & Greet before his performance. On Saturday a full lineup was brought out starting with the Mojo Gurus, Have Gun Will Travel, and Experimental Pilot. The awards presentation was at 6 PM followed by Russ Anderson and his famous Elton John Show. The night was capped off by the ever popular and best fireworks shows on the beach. Sunday's entertainment started out with a young, rootsy-folky-bluegrass band called Jubil's Kin followed by the native cracker Sarasota Slim with his band and ending with a beautiful sunset and the well-known Charlie Morris and his band. Special local guests T.C. Carr on harmonica and vocalist Lori Cherry helped Charlie round out the finale....can't wait until next year ! For more coverage of the weekend and photos, please see my Facebook page. Congrats and thanks to all.......