OTTUMWA — Hundreds of people gathered in the Bridge View parking lot on Saturday to play in the sand.

Thirteen teams, including the sponsor, South Ottumwa Savings Bank, worked diligently in the heat to compete for the best sand sculpture.

With the sun beating down and sweat pouring from peoples foreheads, water was not just used on the sand. Though focused on the competition, it was obvious that the event was a lot of fun.

Some teams came up with a theme sculpture that had to do with the business they represented; others were at random.

Several members of the Cargill team worked to chisel every feature of a relaxing hog out of the gritty materials while a team from AmericInn/Main Street Ottumwa sculpted different items from the classic movie “The Goonies.”

Each team had its own unique style, using various items from straws to fertilizer pumps for moisture and even utensils, such as spoons and whisks.

Co-Coordinators of the event, Peggy Shaw and Sarah Hartley, said this year’s event was fantastic.

“We really expanded from last year,” Shaw said.

The thirteen teams worked for six hours on the elaborate sand sculptures, while staying upbeat with some energetic music from the DJ. Alcoholic refreshments were also available at the “sand bar.”

“We wanted this year’s event to be even bigger and better,” Shaw said.

During the fun in the sun, those observing the event could take a break from the heat and go inside and still find more to do. While the competition was going on outside, the Bridge View Inc. committee put together a “midway” event inside for kids and adults. People were able to walk inside and get a free massage from Indian Hills Community College Students or a caricature drawing by students from Buena Vista University, along with other activities.

The atmosphere was relaxed and everyone seemed to be having a great time.

Shaw said there were three more teams present this year compared to last year.

“That allows us to do a little more,” she said.

All of the proceeds from the team registration will go to Bridge View Inc. Arts and Entertainment, and a portion of the money raised at the inside events is being split with 4-H, which helped out.