When is Sandcastle Day? This holiday is celebrated on the first Saturday in August

What is it about building a sandcastle that is so enjoyable? Sandcastle Day is a special day for just about everyone. Age doesn’t matter when engaged in this activity. People young and old have been building them for many centuries. And, your skill level is irrelevant, as anyone can build a beautiful and enormous sandcastle. For proof, just watch all the kids on the beach. This August holiday exists to have summer fun as sand, water, and sunlight mix together to create good memories of warm summer days and cool beachside breezes. One might call this a “childhood memory”. However, the pleasant memories extend to teens, adults, moms, and dads, along with grandparents and aunts, and uncles. Certainly, building sandcastles on Sandcastle Day, or any day for that matter, is a priceless memory for everyone involved. 

The world record sandcastle was constructed on the beach in the seaside town of Blokhus, Denmark. Using over 4860 tons of sand, Dutch artist Wilfred Stijger with the help of 30 other sand sculptors, built a sandcastle measuring 69 ft 5 inches tall. 

Building Sandcastles is an Artful Business

Beachside communities hold Sandcastle building competitions complete with prizes. They are often one of several activities at a beachside festival. These festivals usually include arts and crafts booths, food vendors, along with beachside games and activities. Building sandcastles has evolved into an art form. And, competitions are held all over the world, drawing both unknown and established artists to the beach to create their temporary masterpieces.

Nowadays, sandcastle creations are huge and require a team of artists, along with many tons of sand. The creations can take days to complete. Hopefully, it will not rain during this time.

Sandcastle Trivia

• Sand is made of silica or silicon dioxide. Most of the earth’s crust is composed of this compound.
• Sand is used to make glass, ceramics, concrete, countertops, and many other items. 
• It is used to treat snowy and icy roads.
• Sandy beaches are a variety of colors, including white, tan, pink, and black.
• Since 1990 more people have died falling into holes in sand at the beach than by sharks. It’s hard to believe. But, it’s true.
• Sand sticks to your skin because it holds onto water. Your skin sweats, creating the moisture sand needs to cling to you.

How to Celebrate and Participate in Sandcastle Day

There are two places to celebrate this special holiday. You can make sandcastles in the sandbox right in your backyard. However, the amount of sand is limited. So, if you want to really get into the spirit of this special day, pack up a picnic lunch and some ice-cold beverages. Then, take the family to a sandy beach for the day. Pick an open space and get to work building the biggest and best sandcastle on the beach.

 If you live in a seaside town, petition your town government to hold a sandcastle-building competition on the beach. It’s fun for the whole town. The competition will also draw in people from outside of the area, bringing much-needed tourist business to your local economy.

On this holiday, you can also:

• Put a sandbox in your backyard for the kids to play in.
• Do your part in keeping beaches clean so others can enjoy building castles in the sand.

PS Don’t forget the suntan lotion.