Sand castle build is back

Gather your pails, shovels and architectural aspirations.

The 45th annual sand castle contest, hosted by the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce’s Commodores’ Club, comes to Corona del Mar on Sunday.

“There are sand castles and sand sculptures, so you don’t have to be the wizard of all time to enter,” said George Lesley, who is chairing this year’s contest.

Participants compete in several categories and can create anything they want — animals, intricate castles, boats, even people.

After Bob Hope died in 2003, one team won a prize for a sand sculpture of his face, Lesley said, adding, “It was really unique, and it was well done.”

Teams of up to eight contestants will have three hours and a 15-by-15-foot square to build a masterpiece. Structures must be made of sand and natural materials like shells or seaweed, and creators can use hand tools, buckets, a ladder and a wheelbarrow.

Last year, about 33 people participated, and Lesley said he expects 30 to 40 castle builders on Sunday, with family groups and organizations welcomed.

“It’s a really great event for a family. They work together, and it’s fun,” Lesley said.

Each team will get T-shirts and four round-trip tickets to Catalina.

Lesley said participants should arrive at 10 a.m., with castle building from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., followed by an awards ceremony.

The event will be held at Corona del Mar State Beach at Ocean Boulevard and Marguerite Avenue.