CANNON BEACH, Ore. — The 59th annual Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest on Saturday wowed spectators of all ages.
From experienced sandcastle builders to novices, competitors took part in several divisions: Sand Fleas, Juniors, Teens, Small Group, Large Group, and Masters.
Each team is given a plot of sand. No sand may be added or removed, and only natural materials found on the beach can be used such as sticks, shells, rocks and seaweed. Artificial coloring, paint, flour, sugar, starch, adhesives or cement are not allowed.
The contest began in 1964 when a tsunami washed out the Elk Creek Bridge. Residents, who were relatively isolated until a new bridge could be built, gathered that spring for first of what has become one of the largest sandcastle contests on the west coast.
The winners were announced on Saturday evening.
The contest was recognized as an Oregon Heritage Tradition by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department in 2014. To achieve such status, it must have broad public appeal with at least 50 years of continuous operation.
Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest
Download the KGW News app: Download for iPhone here | Download for Android here
Stream newscasts for free on KGW+ on Roku and Amazon Fire: How to add app to your device here
See a typo in this article? Email web@kgw.com for corrections