And they’re off — almost.
The pound up, when the sculptors fill in their forms, started today (July 14) in Community Park in Parksville as part of the Quality Foods Canadian Open Sand Sculpting Competition and Exhibition.
Tomorrow is when the competition really starts.
The sculptors have 30 hours starting Friday, July 15 to create their sculptures with the theme this year being Things With Wings. Judging will be completed and award-winners announced on Sunday, July 17 at 5:30 p.m.
After that, the sand sculptures will be on display until Aug. 21.
This year, there are sculptors from across Canada, the United States, Holland, the Netherlands and Russia.
The gates open to the public at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 15 (a suggested $3 donation for entry) when the competitors are putting together their creations. After that, the site is open for the public from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day, up to and including Aug. 21. Last year, a record 104,427 people went through the gates to view the sculptures.
The competition is part of Beachfest.
— NEWS Staff