Castles in the sand
Dozens of amateur architects and engineers made their way to the already crowded shores of Penticton for some fun in the sun and competitive sandcastle building at the 34th annual Rona Sandcastle contest at Skaha Beach.
The contest is one of the marquee events at the Penticton Peach Festival, which is presently underway.
“It was a great turnout,” said Jeanette Beaven, one of the event’s organizers. “We sold 33 of 34 plots, so we were almost sold out.”
Jenna Richter, 12, competed with her family for the third time in the family and friends category. She said they’ve never placed before and hoped to win this year – although, she noted, there will always be next year.
“It’s not really about getting a prize, for us, it’s about bragging rights,” said the preteen from Red Deer.
“We come to Penticton for Peachfest every year because my grandma lives here, and we always have fun, but it would be cool to tell my friends back home we finally won.”
The team from RONA in Penticton, which made The Amazing Octopus, won the business and corporate category and donated its $500 prize to charity.
The Bubble Guppies won the youth category (ages 13-16). Their sculpture was named The Mystical Mermaid.
The Turtles won the kids’ category (ages 12 and under). They created a family of turtles.
The people’s choice winner was The Incredible Alberts. Their sculpture was named Sandcastle.
Family and friends was won by The Sand Fairies. Their entry was Fairy Tale.
Penticton-born entertainer Kyle Anderson again served as emcee and provided musical entertainment for the 30th year.
RONA was the major sponsor of the event with additional support from Greyback Construction, the Local Project Society, and Westhills Aggregates.
Meanwhile, there’s a full weekend of free events ahead at the 70th annual event.
Today’s Peachfest activities kick off with the Peters Bros. Grand Parade, which will wind its way through a new route in downtown Penticton beginning at 10 a.m.
This year’s route starts on Main Street at Pen-Hi, turns left at Wade Avenue, right on Winnipeg Street, then left on Lakeshore Drive and continues to the SS Sicamous.
Parade highlights will include an appearance by the Seattle All-City Band and the Delta Police Pipe Band, as well as numerous awardwinning floats and a police motorcycle team.
After the parade, festival goers can check out the dog agility show at by Okanagan Lake Park, the Inner Ring Circus, Desert Goddesses Belly Dance, and hypnotist William James.
The entertainment continues with the Women of Rock’n’Roll, presented by the Timbre Wolves; the RCAF Marching Band, and the Black Widow Rope Spinners.
Evening entertainment will feature tributes to ABBA, Fleetwood Mac and Rod Stewart.
On Sunday, the day begins with the Kiddies Day parade, followed by a concert performed by children’s entertainers, Bobs and Lolo on the Peters Bros. stage at Okanagan Lake Park at 12:30 p.m.
Afternoon performers include the Central Okanagan Dog Agility Club, the Black Widow Rope Spinners, the Balance of Performing School and William James.
The roster of musical entertainment for the evening includes Peachland’s own Marty Edwards in a tribute to Kenny Rogers, Rann Berry and the Motown Revue, and Tom Lavin and the Legendary Powder Blues Band.
For a full list of events and times, visit: peachfest.com.