Our community is celebrating a remarkable achievement this week as a Cape May County sand sculpture earned Best in Show at the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C. — a victory made even more impressive by the fact that New Jersey wasn't originally scheduled to participate in the event at all.
Local teacher Brendan Schaffer created the stunning 8-foot-tall sand art pyramid after Cape May County officials reached out just days before the America 250 fair. With multiple states opting out of the event, our county saw an opportunity to showcase what makes this corner of New Jersey special.
Working alongside his husband and father, Schaffer spent two and a half days molding and carving nearly 10 tons of sand into an intricate display celebrating the region's most beloved features. The centerpiece? The iconic Cape May Lighthouse, surrounded by symbols of the area's natural beauty and ecological significance.
"The Cape May Lighthouse right in the middle. And then we have the eco-tourism part with a great blue heron, a monarch butterfly," Schaffer explained. "We really nailed it and got everything we wanted on the sculpture."
The recognition extends beyond the fair itself. Back home, Schaffer has become something of a local celebrity, with residents and shop owners stopping him on the street to congratulate him on his work.
"Different shops around town and people are recognizing me — 'you're that sculptor' — it really just brings a smile to my face, and that's what I love to do every day of my life, just bring joy to other people," he said.
For Schaffer, the project represents more than artistic achievement — it's a labor of love meant to inspire others to discover and appreciate the natural wonders and historic landmarks that define Cape May County. His hope is that the national spotlight will draw visitors to experience firsthand the places he holds dear.
The Best in Show honor at the Great American State Fair serves as a powerful reminder that when our community comes together on short notice, we can create something truly extraordinary — and share the beauty of Cape May County with the entire nation.
About the Author
Karen Johnson
With over 30 years of news experience in major markets like Los Angeles, Denver, and Columbus, Karen now covers our area for South Jersey NewsBeat. She also brings her articulate and conversational news delivery to WOND radio listeners every weekday. Her background includes work with the NBC Radio Network, and she thrives in fast-paced news environments.
