Matt Long – master sand sculptor from NY – at the 1st annual Siesta Key Crystal Classic Master Sand Sculpture festival. This event was held to benefit Mote Marine sea turtle research.  Ten teams of master sculptors competed for $9000 in prize money.  The 3 day event also included live music and sand sculpting lessons.  Numerous local volunteers and businesses were involved in making this first ever master competition a success.  The crowd was estimated at 40,000+ for the first annual 3 day event.

The dates for the second competition have been set for November 10-13, 2011.