Sandcastles on the beach. The Texas SandFest in Port Aransas over the weekend of April 18 should be on every Texan’s bucket list to attend at least once. The normally sleepy beach town doubles its population during the festival as artists work for two days sculpting mounds of sand into astonishing shapes. The temporary art is amazing and entertaining.
The festival began in 1997 as a local fundraiser for the community theatre. Back then most of the competitors were local artists. Now in its 29th year, SandFest attracts sculptors from around the world. There will be 10 Master Solo artists, 5 Duo Master teams, 8 Semi-Pro artists, and 12 sand sculptors who are not competing for the prize money. Most of the competitors travel the world doing commissions, sculpting in snow, or working in other mediums. Returning this year to defend her 2025 Master Solo title is Marie-Line Gagne from Quebec, who started her sculpting career molding snow. In the Master Duo category, Greg Gowdy and Abe Waterman have attended many SandFests and return to try to make it two first place trophies in a row. Along with the art, there will be food vendors, music, sand sculpting lessons, and shopping on the beach.
April 17-19, Port Aransas, www.texassandfest.org
From the Archives
“Day Trips” first appeared in The Austin Chronicle on April 12, 1991. Even before then I had begun amassing a collection of photographs from around Texas that now numbers in the thousands. Occasionally in the coming months I will highlight a photo that may or may not have previously been published. Hope you enjoy.
Flower stop. The Big Blue Barn at Arnosky’s Farm Stand turns 20 years old this year. In 2006, the community gathered for an old-fashioned barn raising to construct the landmark building for Pamala and Frank Arnosky. Since 1999 the couple have operated their flower farm at the intersection of scenic FM 165 and FM 2325, halfway between Wimberley and Blanco. They raised their four children at the farm and now welcome six grandchildren, with two more on the way. There’s no telling what you might find in season on a visit to the barn. Depending on the time of year, they’ll have cut flower bouquets, vegetables, bedding plants, vegetable plants, goat cheese, and/or fresh eggs, but there’s always a cool breeze on the back porch overlooking the fields of flowers. The market is generally open daily from 9am to 5pm. Everything is self-serve on the honor system. Bring cash or checks to drop in the red cash box inside the front door…