Building a great sand sculpture is no simple feat, which is why this year's winners will be awarded a grand prize of $1,000.

The top prize for the 12th annual Sand Sculpture Competition, set to take place September 1 at Horseshoe Bay, will be handed to the teams in the Best Amateur and Best Professional sand sculpture categories, while second and third place teams will receive $500 and $250 respectively. Team Sandtastic will be hosting three free workshops where the public can learn about the tips, tricks and tools needed for the competition.

"These will occur for three evenings before the competition on Horseshoe Bay," said event organiser Nikki Gurret.

The competition will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and judging will start immediately after that.

Teams can be no more than six people and can only enter in one of the seven categories, which include: families, children 12 and under, teenagers 13-19, company/organisation, tourist, professional and an open category. The competition is presented by the Department of Tourism and the Bermuda Institute of Bermuda Architects, as a part of their Bermuda Beach and Sizzle Fest. All applicants are asked to drop off their entry forms to the Department of Tourism located in Global House on Church Street, Hamilton or email sandtasticdays@bermuda tourism.com.

Entries received before August 29 will be eligible to win an iPod for all team members ¿ in addition all entries will get a goody bag.