Puffins return to Haystack Rock! And the 53rd Sandcastle Contest!

Haystack Rock is home to several bird species who nest there throughout the year

One of the most popular and comical birds to see are the Tufted Puffins. Puffins nest on the rock from April through July and are best viewed now through July. They are colorful, squat, black birds with large, bright orange bills, white facial features and tufts of yellow feathers above the eyes. Look for them on the grassy north slope of Haystack Rock. This grassy area is where the puffins burrow tunnels into the soil so nests, eggs and chicks are protected from predators.

53rd annual Sandcastle Contest  June 16-18

Cannon Beach will host its 53rd annual Sandcastle Contest Saturday, June 17, 2017, the oldest competition of its kind in the Pacific Northwest and the most popular event in Cannon Beach. Dozens of teams of professional sand sculpture artists, amateur groups and families will construct remarkable creations in the sand during the event. The Masters division teams compete for cash prizes and construct large, elaborate creations often utilizing construction forms like those used for pouring concrete to accomplish their monumental size.

Although the contest on Saturday is the highlight of the weekend, visitors will find plenty of other activities to entertain them.

Other activities include a Friday night parade, Saturday night beach bonfire with live music and Sunday morning 5K Fun Run and walk. Judging of the sandcastles will be on Saturday from 12-2:30pm. (perfect time for viewing!) The tide will determine how long the sculptures last.

In 2014, the Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest was recognized as an Oregon Heritage Tradition by the Oregon Parks & Recreation Department, making it one of just 11 events statewide to achieve such a designation. An Oregon Heritage Tradition is an event with broad public appeal, with at least 50 years of continuous operation and that contributes to the identity of the state.

The Tolovana Inn is proud to be a major sponsor of this year’s Sandcastle Contest and weekend of events.

For additional information contact the Cannon Beach Chamber of Commerce at (503) 436-2623. 

Friday, June 16th

10am-5pm Packets n’ Pail Pickup

5:30pm      Sandcastle Parade

Saturday, June 17th

8-10am     American Legion Pancake Feed

Contest

10am        Sandcastle Contest Begins

3:30pm     Final Judging & Awards Presentation

7-10pm     Live Music on the beach

8pm          Bonfire on the beach

Sunday, June 18th   9am      Singing Sands 5k fun run/walk – On the beach at 2nd Street