Christy Atkinson

Christy Atkinson lives in Franklin, Texas (on a 30-acre farm known as the Funny Farm) where she makes homemade jelly and creates one-of-a-kind costumes and custom clothing. She is happily married to Darren Atkinson, the love of her life. She is self-employed, creating art and helping others have fun as Christy the Clown, Ruby the Pirate Queen, and other characters. “I have had some great jobs,” Atkinson said. “From working at Disney World to working as a clown for Ringling Bros. Circus. I love entertaining people. Sand is just another way to bring smiles to everyone.” She is thrilled to be competing at the Siesta Key Crystal Classic with her amazing Dad, THE Amazin’ Walter.

Amazin' Walter MacDonald

Amazin' Walter MacDonald “Sand has been very good to me. I discovered a love for stacking sand in 1978 as I dribbled my first sand on South Padre Island, TX.

Sand has taken over my life and has taken me around the world. I credit the SPI sand itself for my interest and enjoyment in sand sculpting. South Padre Island has some of the best natural beach sand I’ve found anywhere. And I’ve looked.

I have won medals in master level sand sculpting competitions all the way up to the World Championships and have built sand castles in far-away places like China, Japan, Belgium, Holland, Bermuda, Mexico, Canada, Taiwan, Qatar and Australia and all over the USA. I produce my own line of sand sculpting tools and have taught hundreds of others how to build a better sand castle.

The immediate and fragile characteristics of sand as an art medium, challenges me and feeds my fantasies. I’m honored to share this passion with an international community of sand gypsy friends. Why castles? It is traditional and it still excites me to hear a casual observer comment, “now that’s a real sand castle”!

I’ll be at the Siesta Key Crystal Classic again this year with my BFF Abe Waterman as returning champions from 2016. Games on! Sons of the Beach Pledge: I promise to: Have FUN, help others have FUN, and UNLITTER!”