Parksville Beach Festival is back this July 14 to Aug. 20. Here is a list of planned events:
Quality Foods Sand Sculpting Opening Weekend
July 14 to July 16
The festival kicks off with the Quality Foods Sand Sculpting Competition, which promises fun in the sun at Parksville Community Park. The competition runs from July 14 to July 16, with the sculpture exhibition open until August 20.
This event features a 30-hour competition between 29 international master sculptors. They will begin on July 13 by pounding sand to create the sculpting base that is so essential to a successful sculpture.
Public entry begins on July 14 at 2 p.m. after a ribbon cutting just outside the sculpting zone gate.
Sculpting is complete by 2:45 p.m. on July 16 at which time the judges begin their work. An awards ceremony is set for 5:30 p.m. at the sculpting zone.
The exhibition will remain open 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily until Aug. 20.
Admission is by suggested donation of $5 per person.
The sculpting theme for 2023 is ‘Wonders of the World’, so each sculptor considers this while designing and sculpting.
Canadian Tire Sculpt like the Pros
July 15 and July 16, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The larger sandpit adjacent to the sculpting zone will be a fun, interactive learning zone for all. With help from two professional sculptors, everyone can learn how to sculpt like the pros.
Tim Hortons Summer Concert Series & Party City Buskers by the Sea
Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy a variety of free musical entertainment in the new Parksville Outdoor Theatre (Fridays and Saturdays, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., July 21 to Aug. 20)
Talented buskers will perform for young and old at the seaside gazebo by the sand sculpting zone. Daily 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
READ MORE: Popular Parksville Beach Festival makes grand return on July 13
Art in the Park
July 22, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and July 23, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Artisans from Vancouver Island and Gulf Islands will showcase their creative talents and products in the shaded grassy areas of Parksville Community Park, next to the tennis courts. Live music and food trucks will be close by.
Quality Foods Lunch with the Castles
Seniors’ groups (maximum 15 people per group) can visit the sculpting site for weekday guided tours of the sand sculptures and a lunch alongside the beautiful creations.
Contact info@parksvillebeachfest.ca for more information. More info available at https://www.parksvillebeachfest.ca/event/lunch-with-the-castles/.
Mid Island Co-op Rock the Park Music Festival
Aug. 11 to Aug. 13
This three-day event features world-class tribute bands, plus performances by perennial favourites.
More information and tickets: https://www.parksvillebeachfest.ca/event/mid-island-coop-rock-the-park-music-fest/
Proceeds will benefit theatre operations and reduce expenses for future users.
Coastal Community Credit Union Light-up!
Gates will stay open until 11 p.m. on Aug. 18 and Aug. 19. The sculptures will take on a whole new glow at night as special lighting provides viewing and photo opportunities.
REALTORS® at RE/MAX Parksville-Qualicum “Symphony by the Sea” featuring the Vancouver Island Symphony
Aug. 20
The Vancouver Island Symphony will play a late afternoon concert at the Parksville Outdoor Theatre on the final day of Parksville Beach Festival.
More info and tickets: https://www.parksvillebeachfest.ca/event/re-max-parksville-qualicum-symphony-by-the-sea-featuring-the-vancouver-island-symphony/.
Proceeds will benefit theatre operations and reduce expenses for future users.
— NEWS Staff, submitted
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