Alameda’s annual sand sculpture contest to showcase artworks whimsical and temporary

For folks who dig the idea of creating quick and dirty sculpture, the City of Alameda’s 56^th Annual Sand Castle and Sand Sculpture Contest on Saturday should be just the thing.

A six-foot beer stein next to an equally huge pretzel, a giant snail with the title, “Snailed It,” a giant ice cream sundae — these are just a few examples of past entries in the event, held at Robert Crown Memorial State Beach at Otis and Westline drives starting at 9 a.m.