Scholarship Award Recipients: (L-R) Zack Cantor, Sadie Solorzano Tempio, Chloe Roeterdink, (Emily Voyls not pictured) Photo Credit: Nancy Nassiff
Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce Announces Crystal Classic Student Scholarship Award
February 12, 2025. The Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that a $10,000 donation was made to the Ringling College of Art and Design Student Scholarship Fund on behalf of the Siesta Key Crystal Classic International Sand Sculpting Festival, held November 15-18, 2024. The annual 4-day event hosts 24 master sand sculptors from around the world, highlighting a unique artform and transforming the always beautiful Siesta Beach into an outdoor art gallery.
The festival has grown into a premier destination event and attracts 40,000 attendees and generates millions in economic impact for tourism and our local community. The mission is to promote tourism, local businesses and the visual arts via the production of one of the most unique sculpture festivals held in the world on the #1 beach in the U.S.
The Chamber proudly supports the scholarship program which helps reduce the cost of tuition, fees, books, art supplies, and other educational expenses, making higher education more accessible and affordable for students and their families.
Scholarships break down financial barriers, allowing students from diverse backgrounds, including those from low-income families, first-generation college students, and underrepresented groups, to pursue higher education and get the jobs of their dreams.
These students go on to contribute to our favorite animated movies, the coolest title sequences, illustrated books, direct films, design games and products that support health care, and so much more.
Their grads have won Emmys, Oscars, Annies, ADDYs, Director’s Guild Awards, and an American Library Association Award—and this was just in the last year alone!
Congratulations to this year’s Student Scholarship Award Recipients: Zack Cantor (Illustration), Sadie Solorzano Tempio (Entertainment Design), Chloe Roeterdink (Game Art), and Emily Voyls (Photography & Imaging). Visit www.ringling.edu to learn more and make an impact in a student’s life.
Plan to join us for the 15th Annual Siesta Key Crystal Classic, November 14-17, 2025. Visit www.siestakeycrystalclassic.com for event information or call the Chamber office at 941-349-3800.
We encourage carpooling and using alternative transportation such as the 77 Siesta Islander Trolley, Sarasota County Bus Route 33, The Frog Hop, Uber, walking, etc.
PARKING: Parking is free and available on a first come basis in the Siesta Beach public parking lot, located at 948 Beach Road. However, the lot can fill quickly. We encourage carpooling and using alternative transportation such as the Breeze Trolley, Sarasota County Bus Route 33, The Frog Hop, Uber, walking, etc.
ONLINE RESERVED PARKING PASSES: (Advance purchase only) A limited number of reserved parking passes will be available for $55 per day per vehicle. Designated reserved parking is located at the SE corner of the public parking lot.
ONLINE ADVANCE TICKETS:
AT GATE TICKETS:
CASH AND CREDIT CARD SALES: All transactions at the Admission Tent, Beer/Water Tents, and the official Crystal Classic Merchandise Booth will be credit card only. The Party Tent, retail vendors and food vendors may accept cash and credit cards, as they choose.
RESTROOMS: Restrooms are located at each pavilion and in the main parking lot.
EVENT HOURS: Friday, Sunday, Monday – 10 am – 5 pm and Saturday 10 am – 9 pm
Note: At gate ticket sales end 30 minutes prior to gates closing each day.
EMS & SECURITY: Paramedic and law-enforcement personnel will be on-site throughout the event.
BEACH WHEELCHAIRS: A limited number of wheelchairs are available for free based on a first come basis. No advance reservations. Onsite check in with cellphone/e-signature and photo ID is required. Wheelchairs are located at the information tent.
OTHER:
Are coolers allowed? Coolers are not allowed inside the event perimeter.
Are folding chairs allowed? Folding chairs are allowed inside the event perimeter, but they must not block or disrupt foot traffic or event logistics.
Are glass bottles or containers allowed on the beach? Glass is not allowed inside the event perimeter or on the beach.
When is the awards ceremony? 3:00 pm on Sunday at the Entertainment/Music Stage
Is smoking allowed? No, smoking is not permitted anywhere on the beach or County property.
Where do proceeds from the event go? A portion of the proceeds benefit the Ringling College of Art scholarship fund and the annual Siesta Key Community Fireworks.
Are pets allowed on the beach? No, only service animals. Must show service ID card if entering festival.
Service Animals: Service animals are allowed given the following criteria: “Service animal” means an animal that is trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. Service animals can be dogs or miniature horses only. Emotional support pets are not considered service animals. Must show service ID card if entering festival; not just service vest.
Request for media access will be considered with advance approval to media partners and sponsors of the Siesta Key Crystal Classic. To request media access, contact the Chamber office at 941-349-3800 or email events@siestakeychamber.com.
Utilizing photos or video of the festival inside the sand perimeter for commercial use is prohibited. Permission must be granted by the artist and the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce directly to the photographer or company seeking to use protected images and/or video.
If you wish to be considered for media access, please submit the following information to events@siestakeychamber.com Deadline is October 31, 2023.
COMPANY NAME
COMPANY ADDRESS
BUSINESS PHONE NUMBER
MEDIA CONTACT
MEDIA FORMAT, i.e., PRINT, DIGITAL, etc.
YEARS IN BUSINESS
ALL SOCIAL MEDIA URL'S AND/OR WEBSITES ASSOCIATED WITH THE BUSINESS
REASON FOR THE REQUEST
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| BAND NAME | DATE AND TIME |
| Philharmonica Band | Friday 10 to 1 |
| Kettle of Fish | Friday 2 to 5 |
| Ten 76 Band | Saturday 10-1 |
| From the Edge band | Saturday 2-5 |
| Smudgekitten | Saturday 6 - 8:30 |
| John Patti Project | Sunday 10-1 |
| Tropical Ave | Sunday 2-5 |
| Hydramatic | Monday 10 - 1 |
| Out of the Blue | Monday 2 -5 |