Carmel Beach Sandcastle Contest

For decades, the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea and the Monterey Bay chapter of the American Institute of Architects have collaborated on The Great Sand Castle Contest, announcing the date and theme a few weeks before the big day.

Everyone who would like to build a castle can enter the contest, and judges bestow awards for multiple categories, from the coveted Golden Shovel, to the tongue-in-cheek Sour Grapes. And because bribery (non-monetary) is encouraged, it’s not unusual to see platters of food, bottles of wine, chair massages and other indulgences being offered to the people in charge.

The contest is held on Carmel Beach from Scenic south of 10th. The event starts at 7am, judging is at 11:00pm and concludes at 12pm.

This year's theme is TIME TRAVEL -- create a sand sculpture, architectural or otherwise, from any era in Carmel Beach's past (historic or prehistoric -- think deep sea creatures).