The sand was used instead of snow for the contest, Murphy explained.
This year, warm weather won't be the problem. As of Wednesday, The National Weather Service was calling for a high of 30 degrees for the Hancock area.
"It's not like we're going to cancel the event because of the cold," said Murphy, who is also the town's mayor.
But the lack of snow might be an issue, Murphy said.
As of right now, there's not much on the ground in Hancock. Organizers said they'll have to make snow for the contest.
Schedule
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Hot food at the park pavilion provided by St. Thomas Episcopal Church.
10 a.m. -Opening ceremony with Mayor Dan Murphy. Snow sculpting contest and ice carving begins.
11 a.m. - Silent auction
11:30 a.m. - Cake walk
Noon - Valentine's Day-themed crafts with Marilyn Pontius at the Hancock Library, near the park. Judging begins for snow sculpting contest. Hat parade: Entrants wear homemade hats and compete for prizes, with judging done soon after.
12:30 p.m. - Community "Tug in Sand or Snow": a group tug-of-war competition to take place over the snow sculptures. Silent auction closes, winners announced.
1 to 2 p.m. - Closing ceremony with music by accordion player and guitarist Michael Kligerman. Snow sculpture contest prizes awarded.
If you go ...
WHAT: 6th Hancock Winter Festival
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10
WHERE: Widmeyer Park, Hancock
COST: Free
MORE: For more information, contact the Hancock Arts Council co-chair/town councilman Sinclair Hamilton, 301-678-5719.
