Watch out for high tide: Birch Bay’s annual sand sculpture competition is this weekend
August is here, and before summer comes to a close, a unique local event is back for its 41st annual competition in Whatcom County.
The Birch Bay Sand Sculpture Competition, known for its live music, vendor fair, treasure hunt, and of course, sand, is back from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, August 3. This year, sponsors are hoping to set a record of having the most teams compete in the history of the event.
“It’s always a big weekend in Birch Bay. The Sand Sculpture Competition is a highlight, drawing talented artists and enthusiastic spectators alike to celebrate our vibrant community,” Sacha Sanguinetti, the event coordinator for the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce, wrote in a news release.
The sand competition is free, open for all ages and has a variety of categories depending on age and the size of groups competing. Those wishing to participate can register online in advance, or at 8 a.m. at the event.
“My family and I have been traveling to compete in the sand sculpture contest for years. We love setting up camp on the beach and hanging out. It’s something we look forward to every summer. Walking around and checking out the creations is almost as much fun as being a part of a team,” a longtime participant, Ward Romans, said in the news release.
Each team will have a 20-by-20-foot space, can only use sand in the sculpture and must clean up any unnatural materials found in their spot before leaving.
The event also includes a brand new treasure hunt activity for kids ages 12 and under starting at 9 a.m.
“The Chamber and WECU will hide 1,000 wooden coins throughout the area. When found, these coins can be turned in at the WECU booth at the Beach Park for special prizes. This treasure hunt was added to expand the festivities and make the weekend bigger, better, and more fun for everyone,” the news release states.
The event’s schedule includes:
▪ 8 a.m.: Check-in and registration opens
▪ 9 a.m.: Vendor market opens
▪ 9 a.m. – noon: WECU Treasure Hunt
▪ 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Beer garden open
▪ 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Live music by JP Falcon Grady
▪ 12:30 p.m.: Sand sculpture judging
▪ 2 p.m.: Sand sculpture award ceremony
▪ 2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.: Birch Bay Poker Run
The Birch Bay Sand Sculpture Competition and activities are at Birch Bay Beach Park at 7930 Birch Bay Drive.
