From Wednesday to Saturday, Nov. 26 – 29, six internationally renowned sand sculptors will be competing in the inaugural International Sand Art Competition in Key West at Casa Marina. This event is free and open to the public featuring a live head-to-head competition among some of the most decorated sand sculptors in the business — plus there’s a chance to dig up a real silver coin!
On Friday, Nov. 28, the Mel Fisher Treasure Dig will take center stage on the grounds of the Casa Marina during the International Sand Art Competition starting at 2 p.m. Three lucky people will dig into a specially designed sand sculpture in hopes to find a treasure befitting for the greatest of all treasure hunters, Mel Fisher. Hidden within the sculpture will be many prizes, with the most sought after treasure being a coin from Mel Fisher’s bounty from the Nuestra Senora de Atocha, valued near $1000.
For a chance to be one of the lucky contestants for the Mel Fisher Treasure Dig, participants must purchase a special T-shirt for $25, which serves as a ticket to the event. (Those shirts will be available for purchase starting on Tuesday, Nov. 25 until the event starts on Friday, Nov. 28 at 2 p.m. on the grounds of the Casa Marina.) Treasure hunter hopefuls must be present, wearing the shirt at 2 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 28 for a chance to be inside the arena, where the dig takes place. Three lucky contestants in attendance will be chosen at random to participate in the treasure dig. Contestants must be 14 years or older, with a parent signature required for participants under the age of 17.
The actual coin will not be hidden in the sculpture, only a replica that will be exchanged with winner upon retrieval. Other prizes will also be inside the sculpture including dinner for two at Sun Sun Restaurant at the Casa Marina, a Jet Ski tour around Key West, a sunset sail for two and more.
For official rules, additional details and updates on the Mel Fisher Treasure Dig, as well as a calendar of events for the 2014 International Sand Art Competition, visit www.sandartkeywest.com or follow International Sand Art Competition on Facebook. The 2014 International Sand Art Competition is sponsored in part by the Monroe County Tourism Development Council.
