The 57th annual Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest is happening now as a Virtual Summer of Sandcastles and runs through Sept. 6th, 2021!
COVID-19 safe events have already included a Concert in the Park with Bruce Smith Band and a Virtual Singing Sands Fun Run/Walk. Monday, June 21, was the last day to register for the fun run/walk, which will run through the end of the month.
Sandcastle Committee Chair Debbie Nelson said two-dozen people registered for the fun run/walk. The event usually has about 75 people who run. Participants received a 2021 sandcastle t-shirt and medal.
The sandcastle contest began June 5 with a promo build from master’s team Form Finders. Nelson said she was able to see the build from start to finish this year. A production crew also filmed the build, which will be uploaded to the website soon, Nelson added. Around two-dozen people have participated in the sandcastle contest so far, which is more than last year.
“We want to be safe,” Nelson said of the virtual event.
Nelson said about 100 people attended the Concert in the Park with Bruce Smith Band. They did some cover songs as well as originals. The band had not been able to play for over a year. The concert was free for everyone to attend.
Nelson hopes more people will get involved in the sandcastle contest. The contest has been a constant tradition since 1964. This is Nelson’s 12th year as chair. She has seen the contest through stormy weather, rain, record-breaking crowds at the 50th anniversary and a pandemic.
Sponsors this year include title sponsor Coaster Construction and sponsors Columbia Bank, Jeffrey Hull Gallery, and The Waves.
To participate in the Virtual Sandcastle Contest, purchase a $25 Sandcastle Kit at the Chamber Visitor Information Center, located at 207 North Spruce St. in Cannon Beach, or online. The kit includes registration details, a small sandcastle poster, swag and candy.
Visit the chamber’s website for more information on how to enter the contest at https://www.cannonbeach.org/events-and-festivals/sandcastle-contest/
You can also buy limited edition posters and other merchandise on the chamber’s website and at the Chamber Information Center.