PHOTOS: Amazing sandcastles built at Texas competition

GALVESTON, Texas -- Dozens of teams of architects, designers and engineers grabbed their shovels and buckets and headed to Galveston's East Beach on Saturday, August 20, 2016, all hoping to bring home the prized Golden Bucket trophy for the 30th annual AIA Sandcastle Competition. The contest, typically held the week following Memorial Day, was rained out this year, and had to be rescheduled. While this held many logistical challenges, the contest brought a larger crowd than ever before.

Their creative sand creations are the result of months of work and planning.

The judging of the sculptures is rated on originality of concept, artistic execution, technical difficulty, carving technique and utilization of the site. In addition to the highest honor of the Golden Bucket, awards are given in several categories, including Best Traditional, Best Architectural, Most Lifelike/Realistic, as well as best team t-shirt design, best team signage, best costume and public favorite.

The Houston Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) has been hosting this competition since 1986. The AIA SandCastle Competition is a fund-raising event for AIA Houston and ArCH Foundation.