Sand Jam 2021 at Ocean Springs Front Beach

Saturday morning on Front Beach in Ocean Springs, the Jackson County Board of Supervisors and Jackson County Recreation Department will host Sand Jam 2021 ‘Turtle Up Mississippi.’

The theme ‘Turtle Up Mississippi’ is in celebration of Mississippi’s native turtles. The event will feature a team sand sculpting competition, informational booths, beach and water activities, as well as food vendors.

The team sand sculpture competition is open to ages 17 and younger and will be split into three age categories.

The main goal of the event is to raise awareness about the protection of native turtles and their habitats. Jackson County Recreation Director Darcie Crew said, “Parents need something for the kids to do. This is a great day, a beautiful breeze down here on the beach and the kids can run and play and be very active, work on their heart health. Also, learn a lot from the different organizations that we have coming about how to protect the environment, how to protect our Mississippi turtles, and just enjoying having a day at the beach with the family.”

Evan Ott with YMCA ‘Y on the Fly’ said, “We are going to be teaching the children about water aerobics, STEM, heart health, how to get healthy and active. Basically, that’s what we are doing, trying to get these kids to be outside, get healthy, get off the phones playing Fortnight, trying to get something fun and active.”

Sand Jam 2021 will take place on the Ocean Springs Front Beach at Washington Avenue. Team check in starts at 8 a.m. and sculpting kicks off at 9:30 a.m.