Peter Vogelaar of Winlaw, B.C., won the 2018 Sand Sculpting Competition and Exhibition with his Jimi Hendrix inspired piece 'Wild Things.' Vogelaar returns to defend his title in 2019 in the solo division. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

Sandcastle supremacy

World’s top sand sculpture creators converge on Parksville beach

Jul 11, 2019 | 4:21 PM

PARKSVILLE — Well over 100,000 people are anticipated to view some of the world’s top sand sculptures on Parksville beach.

The 37^th annual Sand Sculpting Competition and Exhibition featuring 22 creations begins Friday, July 11 and concludes with the awards presentation Sunday evening.

The world renowned sandcastles will remain in place at the Community Park for public viewing until Aug. 18.

Parksville Beach Festival president Cheryl Dill said about 80 per cent of this year’s artists are repeat participants.

“Whether they’re sculpting in sand, rock or ice the majority of the sculptors coming to Parksville do this year-round,” Dill told NanaimoNewsNOW.

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Myths and Legends was selected by the public as this year’s design theme.

Fifteen solo artists will participate, while larger plots of sand are designated for the seven entries in the doubles category.

Dill said the competitors from seven countries will work for 30 hours through Sunday afternoon when judging takes place.

The public can enter the gated competition area Friday at 2 p.m.

Dill said she’s always amazed at the skill, creativity and physical capabilities required to excel at this high-caliber event.

“To have that type of precision and ingenuity that they need to be able to carve in the sand and create beautiful story-telling sculptors that everyone is always amazed at every year.”

Viewing of the sculptures takes place daily between Saturday and Aug. 18 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at a suggested donation of $4.

More than 120,00 people went through the gates to view the sand sculptures last year, which marked the third highest attendance in the event’s history.

The Parksville competition is an official world championship qualifying event.

ian@nanaimonewsnow.com
On Twitter: @reporterholmes