Organizers promise buckets of fun at Texada Island’s 26th annual Sandcastle Weekend, to be held on Saturday, July 16 and Sunday, July 17 at various locations on land and shore.
Though the event’s primary focus remains its namesake, it has grown over the years to include much more than just sandcastles. The weekend remains a popular island tradition and an annual getaway for many Powell River residents as well, armed with tents, shovels, and their best sandcastle designs.
Festivities kickoff Saturday with a parade at 10:30 am. Floats and vehicles will marshall near the ball park across from Gillies Bay General Store and make their way toward the RCMP station.
Another highlight of the day will be bed races, which will take place at noon at the Gillies Bay tennis courts. Teams of five roll tricked-out gurneys in a timed race that will be anything but a sleeper. The entrance fee is $5 per team and participants are encouraged to build their own mattress mobile or use “the rocket,” the organizers’ own creation.
As evening draws closer, festivities move to Shelter Point Campground where a lip-sync contest is planned for 7 pm. When darkness falls, moon bags will be launched along the shores of the campground before a laser show lights up the night sky.
Sunday morning begins bright and early with a sunrise service at 7:30 am, followed by pancake breakfast between 8:30 and 11 am at Texada Community Hall. Low tide brings the ever-popular sand sculpting competition, held at Gillies Bay Beach between 9:30 am and 1 pm. People’s choice judging begins at 1:30 pm.
The weekend also features a slow-pitch tournament, pork roast, fashion show, bingo tournament and other exciting events. For more information and a full daily schedule, interested readers can visit the website or call Linda Bruhn at 604.483.1471 or Elayne Boloten at 604.486.7457.
