Leah Goodwin from IB's Sun & Sea Festival talked about the sandcastle competition and how the kids can get involved. On Saturday, July 16, four local sand-carving teams will compete in one of San Diego County’s most beloved traditions on the sand at Imperial Beach’s famed Portwood Pier Plaza. While at Dunes Park, the Kid’s-n-Kastles event, sponsored by Optimist Club of Imperial Beach, offers teams of kids aged 12-years or younger to try their skills at sandcastles. The free, family-friendly, no-alcohol festival, will not have a street festival, but the four master castles along with the monument castle will stay up for viewing after the contest on July 16 through Saturday, July 24. “Imperial Beach is the home of the original sandcastle competition and part of our culture,” said co-chair Leah Goodwin. “We really are Sandcastle City.” The committee is grateful to longtime sponsors: The Port of San Diego, CAL AM Water, the County of San Diego, and the City of Imperial Beach, and ATT. Local businesses are: EDCO, State Farm Insurance and Sea Breeze Apartments. Friday, July 15, 2022 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Local sand-carving teams will start their building forms - Portwood Pier Plaza 12-Noon to Dusk -- Exhibition sandcastle on display - Portwood Pier Plaza Mayor’s Breakfast - Veteran’s Park – for info and times contact https://www.imperialbeachca.gov/ Sandcastle Ball –6 p.m. – 10 p.m. – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sandcastle-ball-tickets-356659667667 Saturday, July 16, 2022 – Portwood Pier Plaza 8 a.m. -2 p.m. – Four Master Sandcastle Teams Compete – castles will stay up for viewing until July 24. Noon – 5 p.m. Entertainment – Outdoor Stage 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. Sculptures Judged and prizes awarded