Free sand sculpting lessons are available this Saturday, April 12, at Lesson Mountain for those who want to get a jump on the fun. SandFest, the Texas Sand Sculpture Contest and Festival, will be held April 18-20. Lesson Mountain is a free public event where anyone can become a sand sculptor, just by showing up on the beach, between markers 10 and 11, tools in hand, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sculptors of all ages are invited.

Steve Zarych and Chip Cooper will teach. Hand sculpting tools and SandFest t-shirts will be on sale at the site. Participants may choose to bring their own from home. Almost anything can be used: Straws, trowels, spatulas, small shovels or spades, spoons and, of course, buckets.

Lesson Mountain is sponsored by Coastline Adventures and Whataburger.

See Page 4A for more on SandFest.