For Immediate Release

Sand Sculpting on Monroe Street Beach

 

Who says you can’t get sand between your toes in West Michigan until summertime?  Patrons of the fourth annual Cottage & Lakefront Living Show at DeVos Place can do just that, plus build sand castles and more, when Monroe Street Beach opens with the Show. 

 

“The beach is always an extremely popular attraction, and not just with kids,” says Show Manager Carolyn Alt of the 1200 square foot area fronting the Monroe Avenue windows.  “Lots of adults kick off their shoes, grab a pail and shovel, and dig in.  It’s just good fun.”

 

Expert sand sculptor Janet Moore Schrader, the “Sand Pirate” will be on the beach all weekend, building an incredible medieval castle and offering tips and tricks

 

“I love teaching people the secrets of sand,” Schrader says.  “It’s amazing to see their joy as they learn how to make bigger and better sandcastles.  And it’s definitely not just for children – sandcastle building is a great way for all generations to interact at the beach.”

 

Schrader learned just how rewarding – and therapeutic – playing in the sand can be during her battle with cancer 9 years ago.  “To get over the effects of treatment, and the cancer itself, I started daily walks along Lake Michigan,” she says.  The beach became a place of worship and healing for Schrader and in 2006 she founded her company Fairy Godmother Services: Sand Sculpting, Photography, & Beach Art.

 

Schrader will offer lessons to budding sand sculptors, judge a castle building contest on Saturday, and on Sunday will lead all interested kids in what is arguably the best part of the sand castle experience:  destroying it!

Beach Events:

Expert Sand Castle Build begins		Friday, 3:00pm
Contest		Saturday, 11am – 3pm
Sign Up      Lesson from Janet Schrader      Contest      Judging		11am - 1pm     1pm - 1:30pm     1:30pm  - 2:15pm     2:30pm
Lessons		Sunday, Noon, 1pm, and 2pm
“Storm the Castle!”		Sunday, 3pm

             

For more information visit www.GRCottageShow.com. 

Dates & Times		Admission
Friday, April 16	3 pm - 9:00 pm	Adults:  $9.00
Saturday, April 17	10 am - 9:00 pm	Children (6-14): $4.00
Sunday, April 18	11 am - 5 pm	5 & Under: Free