The 33rd annual Coney Island Sand Sculpting Competition featured artists from across the country using various tools to create sculptures on the beach. While there was a competitive atmosphere, many participants viewed the event as an opportunity for fun and community bonding. Dawn Henning, a returning participant, highlighted the joy of sharing stories about local bodega cats. Tony Cusicanqui, who won a prize for his sand elephant, emphasized the happiness and smiles his art brings to beachgoers, stating that his creations brighten people's days.
"We kind of wing it, usually," laughed Dawn Henning, who has entered the contest four times. "But it's become a little bit of a family tradition."
"It's about making people happy, making people smile," Cusicanqui said. "Saturday was a day where I like to say it's the Smile Makers Club. We make the smiles."
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