Northwest Backroads

Temporary masterpieces!

Every year dozens of competitors from places near and far gather their shovels and buckets and come to Long Beach with the hope of being crowned King of the Castle… sandcastle that is.

Competitors have 5 hours to carve their creations – not very much time, so they have to work fast.

"It's a lot of work to get all these forms set up before the contest starts. It's an hour of hectic work," said Michael Velly, who's considered a master carver with world records and championships under his belt.

These artists have a special talent, creating life from lifelessness, but nature has a way of reclaiming what is hers.