Blue Water SandFest

Entering it's sixth year, Blue Water SandFest brings together Master and Advanced Amateur sand sculptors from around North America to sculpt more than 500 tons of sand into beautiful works of art on the grounds of the Fort Gratiot Light Station County Park. This three-day event is Michigan's first and only Master Sand Sculpting and Advanced Amateur Competition and Festival. It is the Michigan State Championship of Sand Sculpting.

This family-friendly festival has several goals:

• Create a lasting community event that provides a positive cultural and economic impact for the Blue Water Area
• Expose people of all ages to art in a way that is new, refreshing and inspirational
• Support the ongoing restoration and development of the Fort Gratiot Light Station County Park

SandFest Fun Facts - Over the past 5 years:

• $144,000 dollars have been raised for restoration efforts at the Fort Gratiot Light Station County Park
• 44,000 people have visited SandFest from throughout the United States and more than 10 countries
• More than 155 sculptures have been built by Master, Advanced Amateur and Amateur sculptors
• 1,800 tons of sand have been donated and used to build sculptures
• After SandFest, sand from the sculptures has been reused for the Blue Water RiverWalk, Fort Gratiot County Park and for the volleyball courts at Lakeside Park 

Funds raised through Blue Water SandFest are put into the Fort Gratiot Light Station Fund at the Community Foundation of St. Clair County. This Agency Designated Endowment Fund supports the long-term growth and success of the park.