The 2025 Quality Foods Sand Sculpting Competition is officially open.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on a sunny Friday afternoon at the Parksville Community Park, attended by Mayor Doug O'Brien, who welcomed visitors and guests at the inaugural new location of the competition, and also MLA for Ladysmith-Oceanside, Stephanie Higginson. Both politicians donned red noses to blend with members of the Parksville Beach Festival Society, led by president Cheryll Dill, who all sported colourful jester hats and red noses to match this year's theme 'Circus by the Sea.'
There are 30 sand sculptors in this year's competition, which is now in its 43rd year, coming from countries including the United States, Netherlands, Colombia, Russia, Ukraine, Czech Republic and Canada.
Judging will take place on July 13, from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and the winners will be announced at approximately 5 p.m. The sculptures will be available for viewing for the next five weeks until Aug. 17. The gate is open from 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily.
Canadian rock legends Chilliwack will play at the the Parksville Outdoor Theatre July 12 for the Van-Roc Interiors Opening Weekend Concert. Purchase tickets from the McMillan Arts Centre (133 McMillan St.) or online.
