Several hundred people made the most of a sunny day and descended on Curio Bay to take part in the Big Dig and sand sculpture competition.
Eleven teams took part in the contest. A crocodile, a tractor and a mermaid with wild, flowing seaweed hair were among the day’s creations.
Among the contenders were the Brinkworth family, of Tussock Creek, who were there defending their title with a crab.
Keith Brinkworth and Sarah Thorne said it had become a family tradition after more than a decade.
They started when they were only a couple but now three children later the event had become a family affair.
"Every year one of the children decides what we will do and we start from there.
"Everyone helps but usually I am the muscles, the kids do the shape and Sarah works on the details," Mr Brinkworth said.
"It is a team effort."
This year it was middle sibling Jack who chose the design, he said.
"But there is a lot of family discussion and input from all of us. It is a great way to spend time as a family and do something fun."
This year, Winton couple Daryl and Jamie Harper took first prize with their detailed mermaid.
They were shocked their design was the winner.
"It is quite exciting — the hard work has paid off," Ms Harper said.
"We better now start to think early and go big and better."
The contest was followed by the Big Dig where people dig into the sand to get prizes.
The event was a fundraiser for the South Catlins Charitable Trust.
Chairman Paul Duff said about $800 was raised.
