Coney Island's 26th annual sand sculpting contest is more than just castles in the sand.
Amateurs and semi-professionals let their imaginations run wild on the beach Saturday.
The top prize was $250 and bragging rights.
But the artists and supporters NY1 spoke with said they keep coming back to see each other and have fun.
"It definitely is an opportunity for everyone to get together and have a great time, you know," said participant William Petrosino. "And you always hear bad news in the news, and this is something that actually gets the community together and do something good."
"The whole community can come out and enjoy the beach, enjoy the weather, see Coney Island," said Jodi Querbach, the deputy chief operating officer of Brooklyn Community Services. "It's a great, free activity for families and children."
Besides seeing the masterpieces in the sand, spectators got to enjoy live music and dance performances.
The city parks department and Alliance for Coney Island co-hosted the contest.