Atlantis: World Record Sand Castle on Fiesta Island
The Lost City of Atlantis Carved In Sand
By Mark S. Burgess
Posted on Aug 02 2005
Last updated Aug 07 2005
[Editor's Note: In 1997, Gerry Kirk worked for and received permits to grade the top two feet of sand on Fiesta Island in San Diego's Mission Bay to create the world's largest sand castle. Made with 100% packed sand and without any internal frame, the castle eventually sported nearly 100 sculptures and stood 65 feet tall comprised of 110 metric tons of sand. He recruited 80 sand carvers and artisans from 13 countries who spent the month of August 1997 shaping the mountain of sand into an exhibit through which San Diegans could walk. Around the castle, a number of local restaurants set up dining areas and there were nightly concerts during the month of September. sandiego.com setup a 30 foot tower and strung 200 yards of telephone wire to send a streaming audio and video image of the castle's progress. The original intent was to make this an annual festival, but Gerry's unscrupulous partner mismanaged the finances and Gerry was left with a large debt that nearly forced him into bankruptcy. The financial outcome notwithstanding, this was a marquee event for San Diego and was covered by the worldwide media.]
Share this article
Subscribe to History
·
Comments
