Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest celebrates 60 years in June with weekend of events

Since 1964, Cannon Beach has hosted one of the largest sandcastle building competitions on the West Coast. This year, the Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest returns on June 15 with a variety of events all weekend to celebrate the milestone.

The contest will begin at 11 a.m. with judging in the afternoon. Castles are judged on a variety of details such as enthusiasm, design, final appearance and event regulations.

The competition is open to all ages and skill levels with seven divisions including individual and team opportunities. Interested participants must register in advance. The fees range from $5 to $30 based on division. Spectators may view the competition at no charge.

This year will feature a new event, How to Build a Sandcastle: A Live Demonstration with Master Builder Bill Rose. The event will be held on the beach from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, June 14.

In honor of the 60th anniversary, the Cannon Beach History Center & Museum is hosting an exhibit that showcases the history of the contest. The exhibit includes pictures, artifacts and original posters. It is open now until June 14. Museum hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Monday and is located at 1387 South Spruce St.

There will also be a bonfire with live music and s'mores on the beach at the Second Street beach access starting around 7 p.m. on Saturday.

The Singing Sands 5K Fun Run/Walk will be held at 9 a.m. Sunday, June 16, and will start at the Tolovana Wayside beach entrance. Register for the race at bit.ly/3QUowTB

More information and a full schedule can be found on cannonbeach.org/events-and-festivals/sandcastle-contest/

Emma Logan is an outdoors journalism intern for the Statesman Journal. She can be reached atelogan@salem.gannett.com or on X @emmmalogan

This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest celebrates 60 years