Young people across the district are gearing up for a party on the beach as part of the ongoing sand sculpting competition and exhibition in Parksville Community Park this weekend.
Children and families will be drawn to the beach starting with the fireworks this Saturday night at sundown, followed by Kidfest in the park and the Quality Foods Children’s Sandcastle Competition on the beach the following morning.
Sunday’s activities kick off in the big field with Claire deLune on the main stage at 10 a.m., followed by the sand sculpting at 11 a.m. sharp, for which children need to be registered by 10:30.
The park will be full with more than 25 vendors and community booths, live entertainment and an array of activities for the 19th annual KidFest.
There will be face painting, games, crafts, nature lore and a climbing wall.
The range of community booths include the arts, culture, sports, environmental, religious and government groups providing information and activities.
The live performers are on stage from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. including Jangano, Kumbana Marimba and Poco and Wowee Wanda the Clowns, Unreality Magic and Qualicum School of Dance.
Children will also be encouraged to play in the sand, but must register for the free sandcastle competition, with the oldest in each group determining the age category (6 and under, 7 to 9 or 10 to 12), with up to four per team. The strict number one rule is listed as “all teams must have fun.”
They will have half hour to an hour and half, depending on age, and there are many great prizes and goody bags for every participant.
Organizers said they are still looking for participants and remind people they are always looking for volunteers and donation, already thinking about gearing up for next year’s big 20th anniversary.
Call 250-951-2678, or check www.kidfest.ca or www.qualityfoods.com for more information. Don’t forget a hat and sun block and please leave your pets at home.