World Cup and America 250 themes take center stage at Belmar sandcastle contest
The 39th annual D'Jais Belmar Sandcastle Contest drew its largest crowd in 10 years to 18th Avenue Beach.
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Hundreds of people packed the beach in Belmar Wednesday for a longtime Jersey Shore tradition despite dangerous heat.
The 39th annual D'Jais Belmar Sandcastle Contest drew its largest crowd in 10 years to 18th Avenue Beach.
Organizers say the turnout came even as heat index values climbed above 100 degrees.
Contestants spent the day building elaborate creations in the sand, showcasing everything from World Cup-themed sculptures to tributes marking America's 250th anniversary.
One group created a Top Gun-inspired fighter jet combined with a patriotic theme celebrating the nation's upcoming milestone birthday.
Others drew inspiration from international soccer, while a detailed Belmar fire truck also stood out among the entries.
Participants say the contest remains one of the Shore's most popular summer traditions.
The Bikini Boys continued their annual tradition by creating the official D'Jais mascot and logo sculpture, drawing plenty of attention from beachgoers entering the event.
