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Photos: Milford sand sculpture contest's in-person aspect was canceled, but people still showed up

Brian Pounds

July 19, 2021

The 44th annual sand sculpture contest in Milford was supposed to kick off this weekend with a hybrid model of in-person sculpting at Walnut Beach and virtual entries. But organizers last minute canceled the in-person aspect due to the weather forecast.

With sunny skies overhead despite the forecast, however, some people still showed up Sunday afternoon in person to build their masterpieces.

The annual sand sculpture competition at Walnut Beach in Milford Conn. on Sunday, July 18, 2021. Live judging was cancelled for fear of rain, but contestants were still able to submit photographs of their finished sculptures for judging in a virtual competition. — Brian A. Pounds / Hearst Connecticut Media
The annual sand sculpture competition at Walnut Beach in Milford Conn. on Sunday, July 18, 2021. Live judging was cancelled for fear of rain, but contestants were still able to submit photographs of their finished sculptures for judging in a virtual competition.

The annual sand sculpture competition at Walnut Beach in Milford Conn. on Sunday, July 18, 2021. Live judging was cancelled for fear of rain, but contestants were still able to submit photographs of their finished sculptures for judging in a virtual competition. — Brian A. Pounds / Hearst Connecticut Media
The annual sand sculpture competition at Walnut Beach in Milford Conn. on Sunday, July 18, 2021. Live judging was cancelled for fear of rain, but contestants were still able to submit photographs of their finished sculptures for judging in a virtual competition.

Milford Robotic Club leader Chris Seluga, left, and club member Joe Gaetano, 16, of Milford, sculpt the head of their Lego person riding a paddle board sand sculpture during the annual sand sculpture competition at Walnut Beach in Milford Conn. on Sunday, July 18, 2021. Live judging was cancelled for fear of rain, but contestants were still able to submit photographs of their finished sculptures for judging in a virtual competition. — Brian A. Pounds / Hearst Connecticut Media
Milford Robotic Club leader Chris Seluga, left, and club member Joe Gaetano, 16, of Milford, sculpt the head of their Lego person riding a paddle board sand sculpture during the annual sand sculpture competition at Walnut Beach in Milford Conn. on Sunday, July 18, 2021. Live judging was cancelled for fear of rain, but contestants were still able to submit photographs of their finished sculptures for judging in a virtual competition.

Sand sculptors work in the hours around low tide during the annual sand sculpture competition at Walnut Beach in Milford Conn. on Sunday, July 18, 2021. Live judging was cancelled for fear of rain, but contestants were still able to submit photographs of their finished sculptures for judging in a virtual competition. — Brian A. Pounds / Hearst Connecticut Media
Sand sculptors work in the hours around low tide during the annual sand sculpture competition at Walnut Beach in Milford Conn. on Sunday, July 18, 2021. Live judging was cancelled for fear of rain, but contestants were still able to submit photographs of their finished sculptures for judging in a virtual competition.

The annual sand sculpture competition at Walnut Beach in Milford Conn. on Sunday, July 18, 2021. Live judging was cancelled for fear of rain, but contestants were still able to submit photographs of their finished sculptures for judging in a virtual competition. — Brian A. Pounds / Hearst Connecticut Media
The annual sand sculpture competition at Walnut Beach in Milford Conn. on Sunday, July 18, 2021. Live judging was cancelled for fear of rain, but contestants were still able to submit photographs of their finished sculptures for judging in a virtual competition.