A pair of nationally acclaimed sculptors will be at Ypao Beach on Saturday, Sept. 21, to celebrate Guam SandFest 2024 with the island community. The inaugural SandFest is a multi-faceted event aimed at raising awareness about environmental issues such as beach litter, erosion and natural infrastructure.
The event starts with the 30th anniversary of the Guam International Coastal Cleanup, giving attendees a practical way to start a day of island stewardship. More than 2,500 volunteers are committed to the beach cleanup, and more are welcome to volunteer by visiting Guamtime.net .
Highlighting the event will be a sand sculpting competition, where teams of schools, corporate groups and community organizations will have the day to complete their best interpretations of coastal and marine themes. Albert Lucio Jr. and Wade Lapp, from Texas and Washington State, respectively, have made a name for themselves throughout U.
S. beaches and will be here to show off their creations and abilities. "Environmental issues are a big part of sand events," said Lucio.
"The Texas sand festival is really big on doing the whole cleanup, as well as a couple of other events. But I'd have to say this is the biggest one I've ever been involved with, considering the number of agencies and volunteers involved. I think 2,800 volunteers for anything is amazing, especially for something that's as important as coastal cleanup.
" The inaugural coastal cleanup three decades ago drew just 400 volunteers, said Steven Dierking from the Bureau of Statistics and Plans' Guam Coastal Management Program, which organizes the event, along with the Office of the Governor and the Lt. Governor's Islandwide Beautification Task Force. It is funded by a grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The 30th Coastal Cleanup runs from 6 to 9 a.m., followed by the family-friendly sand event at Ypao Beach Park from 10 a.
m. to 4 p.m.
"Guam SandFest 2024 is an opportunity for our community to take ownership of our environment, embrace our cultural heritage, and make a positive impact for future generations," said Lola Leon Guerrero, director of Bureau Statistics and Plans, Guam Coastal Management Program. "This event is a celebration of our island's natural beauty and a call to action for environmental stewardship.".
