Riverbend Beach Takes Shape as Giant Sand Sculpture

The week we've had a special treat at Riverbend...

Thanks to the folks at Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union and our other great sponsors we've had the chance to play in the sand.

But we weren't the only ones...

A team of truly talented sand artists have made magic right before our eyes...

All week long Chattanoogans watched Riverbend Beach turn into work of art...

Rosie Hunerwadel & friend Melanie Butler say, "It's really incredible how he gets such a smooth surface and the sand isn't cracking."

Mark Mason and the members of Team Sandtastic began carving last Friday, "We brought the beach."

150 tons of sand sculpted to represent the performers in this year's concert line up.

Mason says, "From Willie to Train to Three Dog Night in the timeline that they came."

Each image took roughly 15 tons of sand... And countless hours to produce.

For the last 18 years Mason and his team have traveled the world building these elaborate sand creations, "Didn't you turn over buckets as a child...I stuck with it."

The sculptors are self taught and each have a unique style.

Together...they create masterpieces.

Mason says they take the job seriously, but he admits it's a hobby gone crazy, "Sand sculpture has been just a hoot to take from a passion to a profession, bring my friends and see the world."

Hunerwadel & Butler say, "It's so cool. That this could be your job. (I'm jealous) Yeah...that's the word I'd use."

Team Sandtastic puts finishing touches on the sculptures Friday afternoon.

When Riverbend is over Carlock Construction will relocate that sand to the little league fields for the Chickamauga Recreation Association.