San Diego is full of good-old-fashion-summer-fun.  The 27th ANNUAL U.S. OPEN SANDCASTLE COMPETITION in Imperial Beach, California will be held on Sunday July 13, 2008 with professional and amateur sand carving teams competing in the largest sand castle building contest for more than $22,000 in cash prizes. The competition gets underway on the sand from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm — a street festival, live music and entertainment is available all day along Seacoast Drive.  The public can view the sand castles until 4:00 p.m. when the awards are presented.

 On Friday, July 11, the Mayor’s Community Breakfast will be held at 10:00 a.m. and the Sandcastle Ball will take place at 8:00 p.m.  On Saturday July 12, the Imperial Beach Optimist Club will host the Kids’ n Kastles competition from 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. – family themed activities will take place along Seacoast Drive daytime only.  All events are free to the public, with the exception of the Sandcastle Ball.  Event proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Imperial Beach.  Handicap parking is available.  For more information visit