The 2020 world renowned sand sculpting competition and exhibition in Parksville has been cancelled due to COVID-19 (Ian Holmes/NanaiomNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

COVID-19 cancellation

Parksville sand sculpting competition cancelled

Apr 16, 2020 | 1:12 PM

PARKSVILLE — COVID-19 has dealt a devastating blow in Parksville where the world-renowned annual sand sculpting competition has been cancelled.

Cheryl Dill, president of the Parksville Beach Festival Society, said it was a difficult decision to make, citing numerous logistical challenges making it impossible to guarantee a successful and safe event.

“If we don’t take action now to prevent this virus from spreading we may not be able to enjoy something as wonderful as the beach fest in future years,” Dill told NanaimoNewsNOW.

The Parksville Beach Festival was slated to take place at Parksville Beach under the theme Roaring 20’s between July 10 and Aug. 16, with the competition itself taking place over the first four days.

Dill said there were far too many unknowns, including potential lengthened travel restrictions impacting their many international competitors.

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“Most importantly to ensure that social distancing takes place during our event is very, very difficult in a smaller space such as the sand sculpting site,” Dill said.

The Quality Foods Sand Sculpting Competition and Exhibition is a premiere tourism draw on Vancouver Island, attracting more than 100,000 visitors for the past six years.

Dill referenced research from 2015 estimating the five-week long event pumps at least $18 million into the local economy annually.

“The economic impact that this event has on the community as a whole in supporting local businesses is incredible.”

Nearly $70,000 for non-profit organizations in the Parksville-Qualicum region was handed out last year from revenue generated by admission donations.

115,200 people went through the gates last summer to view 22 sand sculptures.

The lengthy Parksville Beach Festival includes several concerts, family friendly events, and is capped by a well attended fireworks display.

ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes