Grownups play in the sand – and get paid for doing just that, will be at the Burlington Beachway August 18/19 for the Children’s Festival

By Staff

BURLINGTON, ON  August 10, 2012  They`ve been doing it for 21 years – playing in the sand, to the delight of hundreds of children.  It happens every August at Beachway Park during the Annual Children’s Festival, the highlight of which is the sand sculpting competition, an event that is open to participants of all ages and abilities.

You don`t have to be sand castle builder to enjoy the event. Visitors can see local sand sculptors Sandi ‘Castle’ Stirling and Nick Blandin, winners of several North American sand sculpting awards, and Sharon Nesbitt, People’s Choice winner from the 2010 competition.

Tanya Kastl will also join the event this year. The four sculptors can be seen sculpting their jungle themed master pieces throughout the event.

Now that is a sandbox. Expert Sandi “Castle” Stirling will be in Burlington August 18, building sand castles

Sand sculpting competitions will be held for adults (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.), families (noon to 3 p.m.), youth (noon to 3 p.m.) and children ages 4 to 12 years (2 to 3 p.m.).

Sculpting will be judged by the sand sculptors beginning at 3 p.m. with winners announced after 4 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to fill out a ballot to help choose the winner of the People’s Choice Award.

In addition to the People’s Choice Award, prizes are awarded for first, second and third prize in all four categories. First prize includes a commemorative trophy featuring a handmade sandcastle. A small fee is needed to enter the competition. Those interested in competing should preregister using RecExpress, at City Hall or Tansley Woods to guarantee a spot.

Sandi “Castle” Stirling has been building sand castles for more than 15 years during which time she has delighted tens of thousands of children.

On-site registration opens at 9 a.m. and is first-come, first- served.

Saturday’s free event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will feature entertainment by the Beach Party Boys, Mystic Drumz and Safari Science. Event attendees will also have the chance to walk on water with What A Ball and try Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) on Lake Ontario.

Sunday’s program includes free children’s entertainment and jungle-themed activities. Everyone is invited to join the festivities at Spencer Smith Park from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. with our outdoor movie starting at 8:30 p.m. showing Madagascar 2.

Themed performances include an interactive Jungle Cat World show; a Jungle Jack puppet show; a tribute to Katy Perry; Safari Science; and Madagascar: Circus, Circus performance and Alex the Lion meet and greet. Children are invited to come dressed as a jungle themed animal or safari adventurer for our Promenade Parade at 12:30 p.m.  The festival will also feature inflatable bouncers; face painting; crafts; a children’s marketplace; an obstacle course; games; a food court; and amazing balloon creations.

If you want to get serious about building a sand castle – log into this web site where you’ll find all kinds of tips and instructions and learn how a woman, who started out watching others make sand castles and  found herself in the business of making the things herself and then teaching others how to do it.


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