If you can’t beach ‘em, join ’em
By Sabine Wilson
For the TODAY
Grab your buckets and shovels and head on down to Siletz Bay in the historic Taft district because it’s just about time for the annual Lincoln City Sandcastle Contest.
Of all the adventures to be had in Lincoln City, this fun-filled day spent playing in the sand and creating fleeting masterpieces is certainly one of the most memorable.
“Last year we hosted a virtual Sandcastle Contest and participants were able to send us a photo of their sandcastles via Facebook and Instagram,” said Riley Richcreek of Mo’s marketing department. “We picked a couple of winners to receive a $100 gift certificate to Mo's. It was a fun way to engage with our guests and sandcastle lovers during the pandemic.”
The event has been a heartwarming annual tradition for more than 40 years, welcoming back many of the same families who attend every year. This year, the beloved competition returns in person on Saturday, Aug. 14.
“We are thrilled to have the contest back this year,” Richcreek said. “After such a difficult year, we are really glad to be doing something that is fun and light-hearted that also brings families together. We love giving back to our communities and this is one of our favorite events of the summer.”
While all ages and ability levels are welcome to build a sandcastle, professional sand artists are disqualified from winning the sought-after prizes, including $100 cash for winners from each category.
Proceeds from the event will go to the Backpacks for Kids program, which helps Lincoln City students go home from school with healthy food. The organization also provides a food pantry in the Taft 7-12 school and donates to many other food giveaway events every year.
As far as rules go, contest participants will have to manipulate the building materials provided by the beach itself in order to sculpt their sand art.
“Only sand, water, shells and other natural beach materials found on the beach that day can be used for construction,” Richcreek said. “Forms can be used in the construction process but cannot support the final structure. Hand tools are allowed, but not power tools. This is an amateur competition.”
Participants and spectators will get to watch the sand come to life as it transforms into mermaids, sea animals, dinosaurs and sand art that might even be more Jackson Pollock-esque.
“The most exciting part is seeing all the creations, creativity and teamwork that goes into building the sand masterpieces,” Richcreek said.
The competition begins at 10 am and judging begins at 1 pm. Signup outside of Mo’s, 860 SW 51st Street. There is a $5 entry fee or a donation to the Backpacks for Kids program.
For more information, go to the Mo’s page on Facebook.