The Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest began in 1964 when a tsunami washed out the Elk Creek Bridge, and residents were relatively isolated until a new bridge could be built. That spring, local families gathered for a Sandcastle Contest to entertain their children and attract visitors. That Sandcastle Contest became one of the largest sandcastle contests on the west coast.
Divisions of the contest include Sand Fleas, Juniors, Teens, Small Group, Large Group, and Masters. Contest rules are simple, and no themes are mandated. This often results in a creative and sometimes colorful commentary on current events. Each team is given a plot of sand within a designated viewing area; sand may not be added or removed. Only natural materials found on the beach, such as sticks, shells, rocks, and seaweed, may be used for ornamentation. No artificial coloring, paint, flour, sugar, starch, adhesives, or cement may be added.
In 2014, the Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest was recognized as an Oregon Heritage Tradition by the Oregon Parks & Recreation Department, making it one of just 26 events statewide to achieve such a designation. An Oregon Heritage Tradition is an event with broad public appeal, with at least 50 years of continuous operation, contributing to the state's identity.
Master’s Division is by invitation only. Please get in touch with Jim by email at jim@cannonbeach.org or call 503-436-2623.
Schedule of Events:
Fri. Jun 19 | 10 AM - 5 PM, Contestant Packet n’ Pail Pickup at the Cannon Beach Chamber of Commerce, Live Sandcastle Demonstration with Bill Rose on the beach off of 2nd St. | 5 PM - 7:30 PM Sandcastle Kick Off Celebration at Cannon Beach Community Hall
Sat. June 20 | 8:30 AM, Beach opens up for parking | 9:00 AM Sandcastle Contest building begins | 2:00 PM Final Judging | 3:00 PM All cars must be off the beach | 7:00 PM - 10 PM Bonfire, S'mores & Music, Free admission and located on the beach at the West end of 2nd St.
Sun. June 21 | 8 AM, registration for Fun Run on the beach at the Tolovana Wayside beach entrance | 9 AM Singing Sands 5K Fun Run/Walk begins
*To guarantee you will have your contest shirt for the event, please register for the Sandcastle Contest by May 16th. Registration after May 16th, shirts color or size may be substituted.
*Schedule subject to change. For up-to-date information, check cannonbeach.org!*
