Dozens of sand sculptors braved tricky weather conditions Wednesday to create their designs at Belmar’s annual sandcastle competition, despite storms containing steady rains and lightning that eventually spurred authorities to clear the beach.
The contest was open to people of all ages, with individual and group prizes up for grabs in various categories. Besides the numerous castles, other entries included an alligator, a cartoon bear and a beach ball with flip-flops.
The Organizers said the sculptures would be judged based on their progress before the contest ended.