After a two-year hiatus, a sand castle contest has returned to Rockaway Park. NY1's Shannan Ferry filed the following report.
It was a 'sand-tastic' day at the beach.
On Saturday, dozens dug in at the Rockaway Sand Castle Contest on Beach 117th St.
"I like to do sandcastles cause it's fun and I can do it with other people like my friends and family," said contestant Natalie Sabino.
But the contest isn't limited to sand castles.
Participants can let their imaginations run wild, as long as they finish in two hours.
Contestant Bruce Johanns drew a lot of attention with his sculpture.
"I'm going for a gargoyle, is what I'm trying, but I'm hearing a lot of ape! So you know, it's whatever you want," he said.
The contest is an annual tradition on the peninsula. It returned this year after a two-year hiatus due to a lack of sponsors.
The Parks Department, The Rockaway Times and City Councilman Eric Ulrich teamed up to bring it back.
"There's different categories for ages and families, I think it's just fun that we have you know, amateurs and we have people who are you know, more experienced," said Portia Dyrenforth, who is the Rockaway Administrator for NYC Parks.
Organizers said 2016 is the perfect year to bring the contest back because for the first time since Hurricane Sandy, the entire Rockaway Beach Boardwalk is open.
"It's just the latest sign of recovery, people are feeling positive, there's a positive energy out here in the Rockaways, there's a lot of momentum," said Councilman Ulrich.
Coordinator Katie McFadden said she participated in the contest as a kid. She's thrilled it's back for other children.
"We have a lot of artistic people here, and we want them to you know, show off what they can do in an fun way," McFadden said.
Fun, but no easy feat. Contestant Michael Noone said it's serious business.
"Yeah it's kinda tough," he said.
The winning teams and individuals went home with trophies.