Castles, Turtles, Mermaids and More Win the Sandcastle Contest

By Katie McFadden

Rockaway’s got talent! Castles, turtles, mermaids and more filled Beach 109th on Saturday, August 2, as part of Councilwoman Joann Ariola’s Sandcastle Contest on National Sandcastle Day!

Councilwoman Ariola and her staff brought back the contest, with the help of NYC Parks and The Rockaway Times. About 17 groups signed up and took to the sand to make some impressive creations. The competition was so good, that it gave judges, Councilwoman Joann Ariola, Rockaway Civic Association President Harold Paez, and Rockaway Times Managing Editor Katie McFadden, a hard time deciding who would make the top three in each age category. And Ariola’s Chief of Staff Phyllis Inserillo had the tough job of tallying up points to determine the winners.

However, on top of the competition in the 19 and over age category was Daniel Perez, Marcelle, Carlos and Vanessa for their extravagantly detailed Castilla de Layla, a sandcastle with everything from arches to tall towers. Second place went to Billy McClernon, Jayden and April’s Rockaway Sandcastle, another detailed castle surrounded by a mote. In third place was Jessica and Phil McMilleon. Jessica, who is nine months pregnant, made a detailed momma sea turtle with a baby on its back. Some other great contenders were Bruce Johanns’ Superman and even a pool table, but they were knocked out of the top three in a talented field of competitors.

In the 10-18 age category, Simone, Bella and Maisie’s Sandy Turtle, using shells for the turtle shell, earned them top prize. Princess Patty, a beautiful mermaid made by Scholars’ Academy girls including Gia, Katie, Juno, Mia, Lyla, Kayleigh and Jessica earned them second place. In third, Lia and Jensen won for their National Monuments piece, which included the White House.

In the 9 and under category, first place went to Mikey and Maya Leroy for their Pyramid of Endor. Ozzie took second place for his Monkey Sphinx, in which he himself was part of the piece. In third place was Bella for her cute sand cat.

The contest wouldn’t be possible without the generous prize and giveaway donations from local businesses and organizations including Spa Rockaway, The Rockaway Hotel, Rogers, Key Food, Boardwalk Bagel, Carvel, Rocco’s of Roc Beach, Happy Jack’s, Jack’s Corner, Stop and Shop, The Gift is Love, Callie’s, Pico, Mazzone Hardware, Meat Up Grill, Meat Market NYC, Bagel Barista Station, the Rockaway Civic Association, The Rockaway Times, and Madeleine’s Chocolate.

“We had so much fun at today’s Rockaway Sandcastle Contest. The designs were so creative but we were so happy to see old school sandcastles as well! Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to everyone who participated!” Councilwoman Ariola said after the contest.