44th Clam Harbour Beach Sandcastle Competition

An illustrated beach background with the text - the 44th Clam Harbour Beach Sandcastle Competition

Date: Sunday, August 18, 2024 at 9 a.m. 

The following information may change before the 2024 event:

Important Event Info:

The sandcastle and sand sculpturing contest attracts over 10,000 people every year to the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia. There are cash prizes for various categories. First Aid personnel and provincial lifeguards will be on site. There is an on-site bus shuttle service to transport people to and from the beach after the park opens at 9:00 AM. Only registered “Service Animals” are permitted on the buses.

This event is rain or shine. Bring sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses, insect repellent, water, snacks, and appropriate beach attire. Various food vendors will be on-site. Cash Only.

For more information, please contact MacKenzie LeBlanc at MacKenzie.LeBlanc@halifax.ca or leave a detailed message at 902-943-1044.

Download the Event Brochure

An illustrated beach background with the text: Arriving at the beach.

Heading to the event?

The parking lot fills early! Parking is available along the road leading up to the entrance of the park. Once parked, you can walk to the nearest bus stop to catch the bus to the beach. (See photo of what the bus stop looks like.) There will be 9 buses running from 9:ooam until 7:00pm continually servicing the seven bus stops.

Example of a bus stop station, bright yellow sign on a barricade denoting the shuttle bus spot

There will be parking restrictions on the road heading to the beach. We need to keep one side of the road free from vehicles in order to keep traffic (and shuttle buses) flowing. This also allows emergency vehicles quick access (if needed). These signs are posted on the way into the beach. We appreciate your help keeping the roads safe. 

Please be advised there are only 15 accessible parking spaces available for permit holders only. The available spaces are first come, first served. Once the accessible parking spaces are full, no additional permit holders will be permitted to enter the park until an accessible parking spot becomes available. We thank you for your understanding as parking is limited.

Directions to the event:

158 Beach Rd, Lake Charlotte, NS

-Take highway 107 to Musquodoboit Harbour.
-Turn right on the #7 Highway
-Keep going until you reach Lake Charlotte
-Turn right onto Clam Harbour Road located right after
 Webbers Store (Look for our signs!)
- Stay on Clam Harbour Road until our traffic control / RCMP ask you to park. (Then head to the nearest bus stop to catch a shuttle to the beach!)

An illustrated beach background with the text: competition details

Bring a positive attitude and your sand building tools and skills!

Does it cost money to come and view the Sandcastles?

  • No! Buses are FREE and coming to hang out on the beach and view the amazing sandcastles is FREE!

Does it cost money to participant in the competition?

  • Adult (Individual and groups) has a cost of $10 (Cash only)
  • Children & Youth can participate for FREE

How do I register?

The Registration Tent will be available onsite as soon as you step onto the beach. No advanced registration. Registration closes at 12:00 noon.

What are the categories for the competition? 

  • ADULT SANDCASTLE
  • ADULT SAND SCULPTURE
  • YOUTH SANDCASTLE OR SAND SCULPTURE (Ages 13 – 19)
  • CHILDREN’S SANDCASTLE OR SAND SCULPTURE (Ages 12 and under)
  • FAN CHOICE AWARD (Voted on by the people! You can cast your vote at the Registration tent.)

 

An illustrated beach background with the text: Competition rules

Thinking of entering the competition? Here are the rules for building:

To build your sandcastle or sand sculpture, you may use:
• your hands, and hand tools including shovels, spatulas, rakes, pails, etc.
• any natural objects found on the beach such as driftwood, shells, seaweed, and rocks.

You may not use:
• cement, adhesive, metal or timber supports, food colouring, flags, paint or other non-beach or man-made materials (besides the items named above “You May Use”.)

An illustrated beach background with the text: prizes to be won

Categories are for individuals or teams, judging starts at 2:00 pm and prizes are awarded at 4:00 pm. Sandcastles are evaluated on artistry, structure and spirit! 

Prizes For The CHBSC – Total of $2,600 in Visa gift cards!

ADULT SANDCASTLE

1st Place – $500 Gift Card 

2nd Place – $250 Gift Card

3rd Place - $75 Gift Card 

ADULT SAND SCULPTURE

1st Place – $500 Gift Card 

2nd Place – $250 Gift Card 

3rd Place - $75 Gift Card 

YOUTH SANDCASTLE OR SAND SCULPTURE (Ages 13 – 19)

1st Place – $150 Gift Card 

2nd Place – $100 Gift Card 

3rd Place - $50 Gift Card 

CHILDREN’S SANDCASTLE OR SAND SCULPTURE (Ages under 12)

1st Place – $75 Gift Card

2nd Place – $50 Gift Card

3rd Place - $25 Gift Card

FAN CHOICE AWARD

$500 Gift Card 

Learn more about Clam Harbour's famous sandcastle contest that attracts thousands of people to the Eastern Shore! View winners from past years and other pictures on the Clam Harbour Beach Sandcastle Competition Facebook page.

Photo credit: Stoo Metz

Thank you to our sponsors:

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Halifax Kubota