More than 18,000 people turned out over this past weekend to see artists from as far away as Europe create huge, intricate sand murals along a stretch of Central Coast beach.

The first annual Pismo Beach Sand Art Festival was held along the flat, sandy expanses at Pismo Beach in San Luis Obispo County.

Each afternoon and evening from Thursday night through Saturday night, the artists created the huge murals, which ranged from giant mandalas to animals and optical illusions. Organizers held a workshop Saturday to teach people some of the skills.

“The weather lined up perfectly,” said event organizer Emma Rhoads. “We’re already planning next year’s festival and can’t wait to make this an annual tradition.”

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