Sandcastle Competition
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 | For almost 30 years, amateur and professional artists have wow'ed thousands of people with their sand art. Not just pail & shovel projects, but huge creations which takes ton of sand! Enlarge photo. |
 | It all started in 1980 when a group of locals organized a sandcastle building event. Over the years, the event has gained momentum and has attracted Master sandcastle artists from all over USA and Canada. Some years, the sandcastle competition has over 325,000 visitors and the city budgets $180,000 to host the event. Fireworks and parade canceled due to budget cuts. Donations are always welcomed: this includes monetary donations as well as volunteer work. |
| - Friday evening: Sandcastle Dance, - Saturday: Street Fair and Kids N Kastle Competition - Sunday: Sandcastle Competition. |
| Kidz 'N Kastles Children 12 and under are invited to create their own sand sculptures in the area adjacent to the Imperial Beach pier.This activity will be held on Saturday afternoon from 2 to 3:30 pm and the categories are: Registration is required. This kid-friendly event is funded by the Optimist Club of Imperial Beach. Thanks Optimists! Street Fair Street Fair will be along Seacoast Drive on Saturday. Here you will find live entertainment, arts & crafts, food, jewelry, beach paraphernalia, and merchandise from local vendors. A total of 140+ vendors. It's just a big ol' party - but be advised, alcoholic beverages are not allowed at the Street Fair or at the beach. Sandcastle Competition Get your shovels ready: cash prizes amount to over $21,000! You can enter into one of many divisions: Masters Categories:
Amateur Categories:
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 | It's not easy to win. Participants must arrive between 6:30 am to 8:30 am. Competition begins at 9 am where you can sculpt, build, mold, and carve mounds of sand into a piece of art. You must be done by 2 pm. Judges rule the results of your 5 hours of labor, and then by 4 pm, the tide comes in and all the sandcastles collapse back into the ocean. Enlarge photo. |
 | As in all games, there are rules. Sand sculptures should be in their designated 30' x 30' plot. Only natural and biodegradable materials can be used. This includes be seaweed, seashells, food coloring, and flour. Adhesives are not allowed and only hand tools are allowed (garden and household implements; shovels and buckets; and ne wheelbarrow & one ladder per team). Location, Parking, and Price US Open Sandcastle Competition |
 | The US Open Sandcastle Competition and Street Fair is a VERY busy event. If you want to see castles being built, arrive at about 2 or 3 pm. If you only want to see the finished sand sculptures, arrive between 3 and 4 pm. |
 | If you want to find parking easily, arrive at 10 am. Otherwise, expect to circle around and around and hope for to find a spot. Parking is so limited that local residents may charge you $10 to park at their home garage. The Event is free and you will only need to pay for the food and crafts that you purchase. Enlarge photo. |
 | Please note: many visitors are expected to attend this event. For the safety for all involved, these items are not permitted at the street fair or at the sandcastle event: - pets & animals of any kind (except service animals) - wheeled devices (except strollers and wheelchairs) - weapons of any kind - alcoholic beverages |
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