Photo Gallery: 23rd Annual Kidz 'N Kastles Sandcastle Competition

In its 23rd year, the Kidz 'N Kastle Sandcastle Competition took place Saturday on the beach near the pier in Imperial Beach. 

The event precedes the July 24 from 9-2 p.m.

A with more than 100 vendors was held on Seacoast Drive from 9-7 p.m. and will continue Sunday from 9-5 p.m. as will the work of musicians and bands on the main stage in Pier Plaza. .

About 20 teams competed with all members 12 years of age or under in 15'x 15' plots of sand from 2-3:30 p.m.

Decorations were allowed but had to be biodegradable materials or things you can find at the beach like seaweed or seashells. Food coloring was also permitted.

Each team of five was accompanied by an adult supervisor who was not allowed to assist in the construction of sand castles or sculptures.

Top placing teams won a trophy, $10 savings account from North Island Credit Union, a gift card for the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, a free haircut at the Hair Force Barber Shop and a copy of the book "When a Dragon Moves In," a story about a little boy, his sandcastle and a dragon.

The book's publishing company Flashlight Press donated $300 in sand castle building supplies for the event, said coordinator Rich Toscano.

"It was really special of them to do that," he said. "The community and its businesses did a really good job of supporting us this year."

Awards were presented by Miss Imperial Beach Meghan Sherman.

Sand Sculptures

Kastles

Creatures of the Sea