Hundreds of hit the beach in Belmar Wednesday for the 36th annual sandcastle contest, one of the Jersey Shore's most popular events.

From pirate skulls to all sorts of designs, sculptors and builders of all ages put their creativity to the test while using only sand, water and hard work.

"There are actual engineers and architects who come down here. They make moving parts, it's incredible. But it's also great to see what the young kids come up with," said organizer Caitlyn Donovan.

The Belmar sandcastle contest is the largest and longest running event of its kind in New Jersey. The contest is presented by the Belmar Tourism Commission and D'Jais.

Last year's event had everything from "Paw Patrol" to Tilly - the iconic smiling face of Asbury Park.