Long Beach -The 21st Annual SandSations sand sculpture contest is coming to the Peninsula July 15 and July 16. This fun-filled event will be located at the Bolstad beach approach in downtown Long Beach. This year, SandSations will include last-minute registrations and sand sculpting lessons on Friday, starting at 3 p.m., followed by an old-fashioned beach bonfire at 6:30 p.m.

On Saturday, the main event will be the sand sculpting contest with teams getting started at around 10 a.m., the Sand Flea Pet Parade starts at noon, free hotdogs all day, and the main event contest winners announced and cash and other prizes awarded at around 4 p.m.

“Mark your fun calendar for the July 15 and 16 weekend, bring the kids and pets, come to the beach and enjoy SandSations!” invites Merry Scharfe, one of the organizers.

SandSations is sponsored by the Long Beach Merchants Association, with food donated by the Long Beach Kiwanis. The organizers are enthusiastic, and those who wish to volunteer for a day of fun-filled community service should contact the Long Beach Peninsula Visitor’s Bureau at 642-2400.