Organizers are getting ready for Texada Island Sandcastle Weekend, which takes place on Saturday, July 20, and Sunday, July 21, at Gillies Bay, Gillies Bay Ball Park and Shelter Point.
Last year's festivities drew close to 500 people to the largest of the Gulf Islands, geographically, over the two days. More are expected to attend this year.
To kick-off the event, grand marshall Gwen Davies will lead a parade on July 20, beginning at 11 am, with Powell River Clansman Pipe Band following.
qathet Ferry Advisory Board member Warren Kiland, who also serves as Texada Island Community Society’s president, said there will be bed races and a show n' shine car show on Saturday at Gillies Bay Ball Park, while a skimboarding competition takes place at Gillies Bay Beach.
"All these activities are open to everyone to enter, with prizes to be won and a small entry fee for the bed races, skimboarding, lip-sync and the sand sculpture competition," said Kiland.
Another highly anticipated tradition on sandcastle weekend is acquiring a hand-made tie-dye T-shirt at the booth beside the ball park.
Although Kiland emphasizes that sandcastle weekend is a family friendly event, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 232 will be hosting a beer garden.
"As the evening sun sets on day one of sandcastle weekend, it’s on to Shelter Point [Regional] Park for the lip-sync contest," said Kiland. "The evening wraps up with a professional laser light show."
Every year a company from Vancouver, which has put on light shows at BC Place, comes to Texada specifically for sandcastle weekend, he added.
Sunday, July 21, at 9:30 am was the chosen day/time to start the sand sculpture contest due to a very low tide occurring.
"The top three teams in each category [adult, family, teens, children] can win cash prizes," said Kiland. "Sand sculpture judging is by people’s choice, so whether you build one or not,
I encourage people to get out on the beach and vote for their favourite."
Kiland said another award given out at the sand sculpture event is in the category of most sand moved. A retired engineer on the island is the judge.
"People are also welcome to just enjoy the beach, grab food from local vendors and enjoy the natural surroundings," said Kiland. "On Sunday there is also the popular sandcastle weekend dog show; that's open to everyone."
Folks can enter their pooches to compete in two categories: costume and agility.
The weather is expected to be sunny and warm and many people from the qathet area and beyond will be camping at Shelter Point Regional Park.
"Make sure you take time Sunday to check out the local vendors, food vendors and the Legion beer garden," said Kiland. "Sunday concludes with the awards at the Gillies Bay Ball Park, at approximately 3:30 pm."
This will be the 38th year that Texada has hosted sandcastle weekend.
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