Quebec Native Takes Top Sand Sculpting Honors

Editor's note: Check back Monday for another story featuring some candid commentary from the sculptors and well as some spectators about this year's competition.

This weekend, the worst had a chance to celebrate as one of the best.

Marc Lepire, a Quebec, Canada, native whose last name means "The Worst," took first place and the Sculptor's Choice award on Saturday during the 11th annual Hampton Beach Master Sand Sculpting Competition.

Lepire was exuberant after the first place victory. The win netted him $3,000 in prize money and secured his spot in this year's World Championships in November, an honor the Canadian celebrated with several triumphant screams.

"I'm the worst," shouted Lepire, holding his hands high above his head. "Thank you!"

Lepire's creation, "Phase Shifter," features a demonic figure manipulating the sand in front of him.

The two separate-but-connected sculptures had many onlookers buzzing Saturday because the piece has several cut-out holes and because the sand forming the abstract manipulation appears to rise out of the beach.

Several other prizes were also awarded Saturday:

• 2nd Place ($2,500 in prize money): Karen Fralich of Ontario, Canada, for "There was an old woman who sends her kids to summer camp."
• 3rd Place ($2,000 in prize money): Justin Gordon, of Groveland, Mass., for "And they ride Among us."
• 4th Place ($1,500 in prize money): Guy-Olivier Deveau, of Quebec, Canada, for "Morphobia."
• 5th Prize ($1,000 in prize money): Carl D. Jara, of Lyndhurst, Ohio, for "Lamb."
• People's Choice ($1,000 in prize money): Michel Lepire, of Quebec, Canada, for "Prestine nature."

There were 10 total entries in this year of the contest, which was started by New Hampshire native Greg Grady over a decade ago.

The individuals who didn't place, but had impressive showings in the friendly three-day competition, were: Marielle Heessels, of Rijen, Netherlands; Lucinda "Sandy Feet" Wierenga, of South Padre Island, Texas; Attillio "Steve" Topazio, of Tiverton, R.I.;  and Greg Grady, Jr., of Londonderry.

The sculptures will remain on the beach across from the intersection of Ocean Boulveard and H Street until Wednesday, at which point they will be torn down.

Check back with Patch over the next few days for more coverage of the event, including some heartfelt comments from sculptors, how sculptors dealt with cold and rainy conditions this year, how some spectators felt about the competition, and how they will remove the sandy creations.