U.S. Open Sandcastle Competition 2009
July 7th, 2009
July 18 & 19, 2009: Largest Sandcastle Competition in the United States Hits Imperial Beach
The 29th annual U.S. Open Sandcastle Competition is set to hit the sands of Imperial Beach on Saturday, July 18 and Sunday, July 19, 2009 for a weekend of free, family-oriented fun including two days of sandcastle-building competitions, live entertainment and a Street Fair.
“With more than 350,000 spectators in attendance last year, the U.S. Open Sandcastle Competition is the largest one of its kind in the United States,” said Committee Chairperson Debbie Longley. “Imperial Beach residents and tourists alike look forward to this event because it brings our quiet, beach town alive with fun, summer activities and truly jaw-dropping sand sculptures.”
On Saturday, July 18, 2009 the Street Fair kicks-off the Festival at 9:00 am with the kids’ castle competition happening that afternoon. The Kids-N-Kastles competition gives kids 12 years and younger a chance to show off their sand-sculpting skills and win various raffle prizes. The competition starts at 2:00 pm with the teams sculpting sandcastles on the beach adjacent to the Imperial Beach pier in three categories: castles, sculptures and creatures of the sea. Winners will be announced at 4:00 pm at the main stage of Pier Plaza.
The official U.S. Open Sandcastle Competition (USOSC) begins on Sunday, July 19, 2009 when amateur and professional teams compete in multiple divisions for more than $21,000 in cash prizes. The sculpting begins at 9:00 am and continues until 2:00 pm when representatives from the USOSC will judge the creations. The award ceremony will conclude the weekend festival. Because of the tides, the sandcastles are only available for viewing until 4:00 pm.
The Street Fair on Seacoast Drive offers spectators a break from the sand and sculpting activities to check out more than 140 vendors featuring food and non-alcoholic beverages, art, jewelry and clothing, to name a few. On Pier Plaza stage, local bands will provide entertainment throughout the weekend. The Street Fair will be open 9:00 am to 7:00 pm on Saturday and 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on Sunday.
In order to preserve a safe, family-friendly environment, the USOSC reserves the right to deny access to the event. Prohibited items included alcoholic beverages, weapons of any kind, wheeled devices (except strollers and wheelchairs) and animals of any kind (except service animals).
Admission to the Festival is free. The U.S. Open Sandcastle Competition is a nonprofit event with a portion of the proceeds benefitting the Boys and Girls Club of Imperial Beach. The competition originally started in 1980, when a group of Imperial Beach residents decided to form the committee and host the first event after being inspired by a similar competition in their sister city of White Rock, British Columbia. Over 29 years, the event has grown from attracting 30,000 people to more than 350,000!
“It’s hard to believe that our little event that was funded by hotdog sales 29 years ago has grown into the largest sandcastle competition in the United States that draws visitors from all over the country,” said Longley. “But besides being a seasonal attraction, this event is vital to the community’s identity and is a highlight on everyone’s calendar.”
Imperial Beach is the most southwesternly city in the United States, located 12 miles south of downtown San Diego and a few miles away from the Mexican border. Its reputation as a “Classic Southern California” town resonates throughout the city from its wooden pier, pristine beaches and world-class surf. The small town is also home to 4,000 acres of protected coastal habitats, making it an ideal place for a bird-watching experience, a nature walk and ecological study. Visitors and residents alike also enjoy the fine restaurants and retail offerings along the town’s developing beachfront.
See you at the beach, San Diego!
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