Go with the grains in Lincoln City

Kids love to head to the beach with a bucket and shovel, using their imaginations to turn damp sand into castles or other creations. And, once a year on the beach in Lincoln CIty’s Taft District, those creations are on steroids, as competitors of all ages vie for prizes in a number of categories at the Lincoln City Sandcastle Contest, returning this Saturday, Aug. 8.

Now in its 49th year, the contest has become a summer tradition for generations of families, drawing locals and visitors to celebrate one of the Oregon Coast's favorite pastimes.

"During COVID, everyone just got further apart," organizer Frank Stutzman said. "This was one of the few events that actually works fine for social distancing."

Presented by Mo's Lincoln City, the annual contest encourages participants to transform sand into everything from mermaids and cruise ships to whimsical "chowder heads" and entirely original creations.

Stutzman said the event continues to grow, but still has room for more.

"We had 35 entries last year, which is great," he said. "We hope to have even more this year."

Participants are limited to using only sand, water, shells and other natural materials found on the beach that day. Hand tools are permitted, but power tools are not, and while forms may be used during construction, they cannot support the finished sculpture. Professional sand artists are welcome to participate but are not eligible for prizes.

The contest has produced memorable creations over the years.

"One year there was a humongous mermaid from the people from Eleanor's Undertow," Stutzman said. "Another year some kids made a really impressive pirate ship. Every year someone goes above and beyond."

Adding to the festive atmosphere, local musician Bret Lucich returns for his 29th year providing music during the event, while volunteers continue another longtime tradition.

"We still throw taffy out to the kids off of the Taft Dock," Stutzman said.

There will also be pre-contest activities this year, including games.

Registration runs from 10 to 10:30 am Saturday, followed by sandcastle building from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm and judging and awards from 12:30 to 1 pm. The event takes place on the beach at Siletz Bay near SW 51st Street in Lincoln City. For more information, go to iLoveMosChowder.com or call 541-996-2535.