Photos by Nicole Cardone
The competition was as hot as the sun at this year’s annual Saltaire Sandcastle Building Contest! Judges had a tough time in their decision making when it came down to ranking the castles. In the end, everyone was a winner and we all enjoyed refreshing ice-pops together. It was such an enjoyable experience for all who participated and for the beachgoers who marveled at the sculptures. Great job, everyone!
“Sand Town USA” by team members Darrell O’Connor, Brian Kerr (adults pictured), Ila and Frances Robbins (sisters), Wade and Cole Krager. (Copy)
The first place winners were especially creative, as they incorporated an actual garbage can into the mound of sand that allowed beachgoers to dispose of their trash. (Copy)
The sibling team of Beatrice and James Weber created “Sandy Sushi.” (Copy)
Elliot Gordon and his team created a giant beached whale sculpture named “Whalecome Back!” He started building at 7 a.m. and kept spraying water on the whale to keep the sand intact. (Copy)
Holding the first place trophy for the Recycle team, who named their creation “Keep Our Beaches Clean.” (Copy)
“Hartsel Castle” created by Sage and Theo Hartsel. (Copy)
![“Unfortunately, and despite our warnings and advice to leave [Fire Island] while conditions allowed, many decided not only to stay but to come over to the island,” scolded Ocean Beach Mayor James Mallott in an emailed newsletter on the afternoon of Sept. 26, during the height of the nor’easter. “These decisions put themselves and their families in danger and jeopardized our first responders who had to answer calls that never should have been.”](https://www.fireislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/IMG_8692.jpeg?quality=51&w=700)
