IB Sun & Sea Festival

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2019 Sun & Sea Festival to be held July 13 on the sand at Imperial Beach

Professional, amateur and kids sand castle building contests highlight this free, family-friendly event

Professional and amateur sand carving teams compete in one of San Diego County’s most beloved traditions. The free, family-friendly, no alcohol event, includes a street festival, food fair and artisan booths, live music and entertainment. The Kids Zone will be filled with kid-friendly fun and entertainment. Public viewing of the sand castles takes place on Saturday only, throughout the day until 5:00 p.m. Best viewing time is 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. The 2019 parade theme is “Under the Sea”.

Major Sponsors: Tillamook, CAL AM Water, County of San Diego, City of Imperial Beach and Port of San Diego. 

Friday, July 12, 2019

7 am 3K Beach Walk/Run starting at the Pier

9:00 am Mayor’s 5th Annual Imperial Beach Pier Swim & Paddle (Dempsey Holder Safety Center IB Lifeguard Tower)
10 am – 11 am Mayor’s Breakfast at Pier Plaza
Noon – Dusk Exhibition sand castle on display

Saturday, July 13, 2019 — Pier Plaza, Dunes Park and Seacoast Drive, Imperial Beach

7 am – 9 am Pancake Breakfast – Pier Plaza
9 am -10 am Sandcastle Parade – Theme: Under the Sea

8 am – 2 pm Master Sand Sculptureson the sand close to the IB Pier

10 am – 5 pm Sun & Sea Festival held along Seacoast Drive from Portwood Pier Plaza to Dunes Park
10 am – 5 pm Kid’s Zone with children’s activities at Dune’s Park
Noon – 1:30 pm  Kids ‘n Kastles sand castle building competition adjacent to Dune’s Park
2 pm – 4 pm Sand Castle judging – This is the best time to view the sand sculptures
4 pm – 5 pm Sand Castle Awards Ceremony at Pier Plaza

  • No animals, however dogs on-leash are okay along festival area.
  • No skateboards, no smoking nor alcohol will be allowed in the festival area or on the beach.
  • TOURIST INFORMATION:  http://sunandseafestival.com/

MEDIA CONTACT—CALL OR TXT: Julie Walke 858/449-2332, Abel Rodriguez 858/442-1080

Filed Under: News

Sixth Annual Sun & Sea Festival’s Sand Castle Competition Winners 

The sixth annual Sun & Sea Festival was a rousing success. Besides the best sandcastle carving competition for adults and kids in San Diego County, the family-friendly event featured a parade, live entertainment and a kid’s zone which kept visitors entertained throughout the day at the City of Imperial Beach’s largest annual event.

The winning sculptors are:

Masters Class: Professional Sand Carvers
First Place: I.B. Posse  (Everyday Heroes)
Second Place:  Sandytales   (Dreaming)
Third Place:  The Coronado Sandcastle Man  (Rebels & The Resistance)
People’s Choice: Sculpintures  (Titan’s Collide)

 

Open Class: Family and Business Sand Carvers
First Place: Sculpintures  (Titan’s Collide)
Second Place: Howie’s Crew  (Gotham City)
Third Place: Guardians of the Sand Lot  (Scooby-Do)

Kids ‘N Kastles Winners Sponsored by the Imperial Beach Optimist Club

Superhero Theme Winner: 
Team IB Dolphins  (Super Wonder-maid)   

Creatures of the Sea Theme
First Place:  Team Rockstars  (Narwhal)           
Second Place: Team SandBlasters  (Narwhal)                      
Third Place: Team Sea Kings  (Shamu)               

 Sandcastle/Sculptures Theme
First Place:  Team Sandpack  (Castle)          
Second Place: Team Sunburns  (Sculpture)                      
Third Place: TJ Aliens  (Hat) 

(photo credit: Bryan Brillhart)

Filed Under: News

Entertainment Line-Up For This Year’s Main Stage At Portwood Pier Plaza

 

Vera Cruz Blues: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. 
In 2013, Vera Cruz Blues came together as a band that combines the cultures of both sides of the border while keeping a true Soulful Afro-Latino essence. This band has a multicultural background and influences rooted to México, Veracruz, Latin-America, Spain, Middle-East, United States and California with a strong Afro-Mestizo identity and Soul. VeraCruz Blues “Latin Music with Soul” has taken the Afro-Cuban, Spanish, Middle East, Latin-American, Tradicional Mexican, and Jarocho rhythms, impacted by the “American Dream” experiences and struggles, and become one of the most popular bands in the music scene in San Diego. Led by Eduardo Parra (guitar and vocals) and Miguel Lopez (on Harp), their sound combines the best of rhythm and melody, a balance of unique Latin Bluesy style along with Percussions, and Bass, get ready to be taken to a new place a cross border balance of sound. www.facebook.com/VeracruzBlues/

 

Tyler Boone: 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
Tyler Boone grew up in the Lowcountry of Charleston, SC. Boone first became enamored with the small club rock scene and slowly started making his way headlining major music venues, gaining traction on the radio waves all across the country & over 13 countries which has led him to open for some incredible talent and becoming an official Taylor Guitars endorsed artist. Boone is currently touring to promote his critically acclaimed new single, “Short Skirt, Bare Knees” (considered for a rock nomination for the 2018 Grammy’s). He has opened for such acts as Grammy award winning artist Sheryl Crow, The Avett Brothers, Christopher Cross, Hootie and the Blowfish, Old Crow Medicine Show, Platinum selling artist Edwin McCain, Zach Myers of Shinedown, The Revivalists, The Marcus King Band, Dr. John, & also American Idol Winner David Cook & Lee DeWyze, just to name a few.  His new record will debut July 5 at the famous Summerfest in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. For more information www.tylerboonemusic.com or www.facebook.com/tylerboonemusic/

 

Bayou Brothers: 1:00 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.
The Bayou Brothers started in 1995 with a shared love of Cajun and Zydeco music by founder John Chambers, on accordion and keyboards, and Ric Lee, laying down Zydeco and Cajun dance grooves on the drums. Throughout the last 15 years, they have been playing their music at festivals and concerts venues all over the southwest and are well known for their rowdy shows, bluesy Zydeco that drives the band and fans Zydeco dance crazy. Adding to the Bayou Brothers sound is sax and percussionist Thom Pod. www.bayoubrothers.net
 

Layne and the New Nation: 2:45 p.m. to 4 p.m.   
Versatile, multitalented, flexible, and inspiring are just a few words to describe Layne Tadesse, a seasoned artist who has performed for audiences around the world. As a live performer, his presence is electric with his trademark A Capella musical intros. He credits his family for his early musical influences, which are deeply rooted in Reggae music. He is a multitalented and diverse artist who can transcend different genres of music with ease. He brings a group of professional musicians and tailors each show to fit every audience. He is dedicated to giving back to community organizations and seeks to use his music as a platform for change. www.facebook.com/LayneTadesseMusic/

Filed Under: News

Volunteers Needed for the Sun & Sea Festival Weekend July 13 & 14

Many Opportunities Available to Help IB’s Biggest Annual Event

It takes a village to put on Imperial Beach’s largest annual event. The organizing committee is looking for volunteers of all ages and sizes to help during the festival weekend. The Sun and Sea Festival will be held on Saturday July 14 but volunteers will also be needed on Friday, July 13 as well. Daytime and nighttime shifts are available. You can sign up for a 3-hour or a 4-hour shift. Or you can sign up for the entire event day from 7 a.m. through 6 p.m. and see how the festival works from behind-the-scenes. Still interested?

Fill out a volunteer application online at http://sunandseafestival.com/ If you have any specific questions about volunteering, please call or text Anne at 619-261-4628.

Filed Under: News

Learn, Practice and Sign-Up to Compete at the 2018 Sun & Sea Festival July 14

Attend Free Sand Sculpting Workshop on Sunday, June 24 or Sunday, July 8 and Receive 50% Discount Off Team Registration Fee

Do you aspire to be like a professional sand sculptor? Attend an upcoming sand sculpting workshop and learn how to create amazing sandcastles for the Sun and Sea Festival. Put a team together, sign up online and get a 50% discount for your team registration in the Open Division.  Team sand sculpting is the perfect outdoor summer activity whether a group of family and friends or a local business putting together a team building exercise; it’s both fun and rewarding. All teams compete for prizes at the Sun & Sea Festival on July 14.

Learn the craft from professionals at Sand Sculpting lessons:

Lessons will be held on two weekends -Sunday, June 24 and Sunday, July 8

  • “Like” us on Facebook or check back on our website for workshop times.

The tools you will need: Shovels, buckets, straws and fine carving knives. For kids, many Imperial Beach shops sell sandcastle building toys made out of brightly colored molded plastic. Kits include a small shovel and rake, and several molded shapes that look like castles.

To sign up for the competition: Register via the website at www.sunandseafestival.com

Select from main menu: How Can I Participate?
Select: 2018 Sandcastle Building Competition
Select a category: Open Division (Families, Amateurs and Corporate Teams) or Kids n’ Kastles (kids under 12-years)

Practice now with these sandcastle building tips:

  • Build sandcastles near water, but not too close as the tides rise your castle can be destroyed.
  • Fill your buckets with water to saturate the sand. Wet sand sticks together and allows you to form castle structures. Work fast and keep the sand from drying out.
  • Construct towers by stacking sand patties about the size and shape of thick pancakes, or make a big pile of sand and carve into it.
  • Seal your towers by gently spraying with a spray bottle filled with water.

Filed Under: News

MARCH IN THE SUN & SEA FESTIVAL PARADE JULY 14

Registration Open for Super Hero, Floats, Marching Bands and All

Just like “Spring Break” it’s time to plan your Sun & Sea Parade entry. Website registration is now open and the search is on for everyone to join up to march in the parade with family, friends, local community groups and businesses. Come one and come all to the Sun & Sea Festival Parade at 9 a.m. on Saturday, July 14. It’s easy to register on the festival web site. 

This year’s parade theme is Super Heroes in the Sand and we encourage entrants to participate and dress in super hero gear and to decorate their entries in super hero style. All entries will be judged for overall themed dress, decorations and decorum for First through Third Places.

Parade begins at 9 a.m. sharp on July 14; check-in begins at 7:00 a.m. in the morning at the Mar Vista High School athletic field. Awards will be presented at 11 a.m. at Pier Plaza.  Also, again this year, participants are asked to refrain from giving out printed materials in an effort to respect the environment and to “Go Green”.

It’s free to enter the parade, but participants must apply through the online application. This will provide all the information you need to know about participation. Registration is open until June 29, 2018, at 5 p.m.

Filed Under: News

VENDORS AND ARTISANS SOUGHT FOR THE SUN & SEA FESTIVAL

Sun & Sea Festival organizers are seeking Imperial Beach-based business vendors as well as artisans to sell handmade items at the one-day, family-friendly and no alcohol event. Beach related businesses are also of special interest for this year’s event. The vendor area for this year’s Sun & Sea Festival will be Pier Plaza and the adjacent beach and along Seacoast Drive from Pier Plaza to Dunes Park.

“For this year’s festival we want to show the best of Imperial Beach with local vendors alongside some of the vendors we look for every year,” said Shirley Nakawatase, event co-chair. “We are seeking quality vendors who are a good fit for our beach town. And we have worked to provide a one-stop, easy online application where vendors can apply and pay for their booths.” Local Imperial Beach Businesses receive a 25% discount off the appropriate fee based on type of vendor booth and date of application. To apply: http://sunandseafestival.com/vendor-application-request/

Open food booths or food trucks: Those serving dishes that are authentic and nutritious quality food or international flavors are a good fit. Organizers prefer healthy, family alternatives but there will be a balance of vendors to avoid duplication. The one-day fees are as follows: “Early Bird” fee from now until May 1 is $680; “Regular Fees” from May 2 through June 23 is $725; and “Late Entry” fee from June 24 through July 10 is $800.

Pre-packaged food vendors: “Early Bird” fee from now until May 1 is $555; “Regular Fees” from May 2 through June 23 is $600; and “Late Entry” fee from June 24 through July 10 is $675.

Commercial Goods & Services: “Early Bird” fee from now until May 1 is $555; “Regular Fees” from May 2 through June 23 is $600; and “Late Entry” fee from June 24 through July 10 is $650.

Handmade Artisans:  Artists who make their own crafts produce one-of-a-kind items are attractive to festival organizers. The handmade Artisan booths will also be scattered around the festival area and kept in balance so that the handmade items will not be competing with each other. The one-day fees are as follows: “Early Bird” fee from now until May 1 is $160; “Regular Fees” from May 2 through June 23 is $160; and “Late Entry” fee from June 24 through July 10 is $200.

Non-Profit Organizations: There will be a limited number of non-profit booths available with the final decision made by the Sun & Sea Festival committee. The one-day fee is $100. Please apply with the regular vendor application. 

Vendors can apply online at the Sun & Sea Festival website. Submit application and payment online or print the PDF document and mail it through the U.S. Post Office. Children-specific items should be identified as there is a kids zone area.

Questions: vendors@sunandseafestival.com , fax: 619/793-4715

Filed Under: News

Wanted: Community Volunteers to Serve on Sun & Sea Festival Committee

Sun & Sea Festival 2018 will take place July 14

The Sun and Sea Festival Committee has just started to plan for next year’s festival to be held on Saturday July 14, 2018. Committee Chairs are seeking local volunteers to join the committee to help produce the largest special event in Imperial Beach. The 2018 theme is Super Heroes in the Sand.

“There is a special camaraderie in this committee as we like to work hard and have fun as well,” said Shirley Nakawatase, co-chair. “We have a couple of key positions to fill for 2018 –an organized person to manage the volunteer teams, and an artistic-type person to lead the sandcastle judges. We have procedures and committee members who can help the new volunteers.”  

The Festival committee meets at 6 p.m. once a month on a Monday until June when meetings become more frequent. The meeting location is the Community Room at City Hall.  Volunteers are expected to attend the monthly meetings and be available on the festival weekend of Friday, July 13 and Saturday, July 14. Those interested can contact us via the website http://sunandseafestival.com/  or call Shirley Nakawatase at 619-787-7093

Event Snapshot

Saturday, July 14, 2018: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

  • 9 am – 10 am: The Parade
  • 8 am – 2:00 pm: Master Sand Sculptures Created north of the pier
  • 10 am – 5 pm: Sun & Sea Festival held along Seacoast Drive with Kid’s Zone at Dunes Park
  • 11 am – Parade Competition Awards at Pier Plaza Stage
  • Noon – 1:30 pm: Kids ‘n Kastles Sand-Building Competition adjacent to Dune’s Park
  • 2 pm – 4 pm: Sandcastle Judging: Best time to view castles
  • 4 pm – 5 pm: Sandcastle Awards Ceremony at Pier Plaza

Friday, July 13, 2018

  • 8 am – 10am –Mayor’s 3rd Annual Imperial Beach Pier Swim & Paddle (Pier Plaza Lifeguard Tower)
  • 8 am –3k Beach Walk/Run starting at the Pier.
  • 10 am – 11 am –Mayor’s Breakfast at Pier Plaza
  • Noon – Dusk –Exhibition Sandcastle on Display

Filed Under: News

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