Hey, beach lovers and sand sculpting aficionados! Get your sunhats ready this weekend and roll up those sleeves because our cherished Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest is back! Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 10, because we're about to kick-start yet another year of sand-castle-building glory at the heart of the Oregon Coast's most beloved sandy stretches.
Imagine it! Artists from across the country flocking together, crafting marvels out of the most humble of materials - sand. From the simplest of designs to the most complex masterpieces, each grain comes together to form everything from whimsical unicorns to towering sandcastles. Ah! The sheer delight of witnessing a sandy canvas turn into a live gallery. You've got to see it to believe it!
Now hold your horses, because, in true Cannon Beach tradition, there's more. We're not just about the sandcastles here. The fun spills over to Sunday, June 11, with the Singing Sands 5K Fun Run/Walk. Be it a brisk walk or an energetic run, you'll be surrounded by the beauty of the Oregon Coast. If that doesn't sound like a fantastic weekend, I don't know what does!
As for the nitty-gritty of the contest, here's the scoop. As the morning sun starts to shine at 10 a.m., our incredible artists will descend onto the beaches, ready to craft magic at low tide. The day rolls into high gear by 3:30 p.m. when the judges embark on their mission to pick out the best of the best. Cars roll off the beach by 4:30 p.m., but the night is young with bonfires, s'mores, and the sweet tunes of live music!
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The best part? There are no strict rules and no themes to abide by. As long as you're not bringing in external materials like paint or glue, you're good to go. Rock, shell, seaweed, or stick - if you can find it on the beach, you can use it!
These sand masterpieces are fleeting, though, so get your viewing in before the tide creeps in and washes them away. It's a gentle reminder of the transience of art and beauty, isn't it?
Now, a little history for those interested: our cherished sandcastle contest had a somewhat somber origin story, dating back to the tsunami of 1964. But let's save that story for another day (or you can read the full story here: N. Oregon Coast History: Tsunami Tragedy Started Cannon Beach's Sandcastle Festival).
Lastly, for those planning to join us for the event, be prepared for some tricky accommodation hunting! Cannon Beach is likely to be packed, but try your luck in neighboring towns like Manzanita, Rockaway Beach, Seaside, or Astoria. Plan on arriving early, especially as the beach turns into a temporary parking lot for the day.
So, ready to dive into a weekend of sandy joy? For more information or to get involved, drop a line to the Cannon Beach Chamber of Commerce at (503) 436-2623. For lodging information, visit cannonbeach.org. Catch you on the sand!
Looking for more amazing events going through the summer of 2023 in Oregon? Don't miss A Summer to Remember: Oregon’s Hottest Events of 2023.
