Sea-themed sandcastles are big winners at contest

On Saturday, Aug. 29, the Bellport Village Program Fund hosted its 18th annual Sandcastle Contest at Ho-Hum Beach.

In years past, The Bellport Village Program Fund members spoke about their goal to connect families at this year’s sandcastle contest and plan to continue the tradition for future years to come.

“The sandcastle creativity shines at Ho-Hum Beach!” said the BVPF in a statement about the contest that “brought plenty of imagination, teamwork, and fun.

This year, there were 67 participants and a total of 26 “wonderfully inventive” sandcastles and sculptures.

“From turtles and mermaids to a whale museum and the ruins of an ancient civilization, 

the entries once again showed just how creative our Bellport sandcastle builders can 

be,” said the BVPF.

The winners received Carla Marla ice cream coupons, that were presented by deputy mayor Nathan Rohrmeier.

The winners included:

Ages 0–8

• First Place: Castle No. 9, Shelly the Turtle: Rhys and Violet Goligeo, Johnny Jacobsen, 
• and Ruby Aspil

• Second Place: Castle No. 15, Mermaid: Sam and Wilkey Phelps

Third Place: Castle No. 3, Shark Bait: Viggo and Ronan Lane, Kit Monroe, Edie 

• Schwartz, and Hudson Holden

Ages 9–16

• First Place: Castle No. 22, On Bellport Bay: Even Costello, Oliver Goldstone, Luke and 
• Jack Boyer-Olsen, Jack Bethe, Theo Crossley, and Herbert Polschek

• Second Place: Castle No. 33, Whale Museum: Hazel Hartman, Callie and Ella Thiess
• Third Place: Castle No. 38, Butterfly Resort: Tobin Garcia

Ages 17 and Over

• First Place: Castle No. 53, Ruins of an Ancient Civilization: Leo and Anthony Vitarelli, 
• Nicki and Lucas Mancera

• Second Place: Castle No. 49, Butter: Allie Kuchinad, Jen Dwin, and Electra

Third Place: Castle No. 11, Shelly the Shell: Marlowe Henenberg, Chiara Pitten, and 

• Aida David

“Congratulations to all of this year’s winners—and a big thank-you to everyone 

who participated and helped make the 18th annual Sandcastle Contest such a fun 

Bellport tradition. We hope our winners enjoy their well-earned Carla Marla ice cream,” said the BVPF.

Founded in 2010, the BVPF is a 501(c)3 dedicated to “executing preservation and beautification projects that benefit all residents of the Village of Bellport.” 

Last year, the organization celebrated 15 years of positive impact on the community on their “journey to make our village an even better place to live.” 

Working closely with village trustees to determine and support projects in Bellport Village, the BVPF has been impactful. 

The organization is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors which bears all administrative costs. 

The BVPF raises funds solely from private donors through annual fundraisers.

To participate in the 2027 Sandcastle Contest, please contact the BVPF directly at info@bvpf.org