In 1990 I wanted to see if I could establish an event in San Diego that could both involve the community in it's creation, integrate persons with developmental disabilities into that process and maybe even be able to raise funds for their support.

   Out of that idea was born the Ocean Beach Sand Castle Festival which was first called "Sand Castle Building Days".  We put it together for 7 years in a row. 

   With the help of hundreds of volunteers and sand sculptors from around the country we were, I think, able to make a little bit of a difference in the lives of all those who participated and who where touched by our "castle in the sand".        
                                      Director, Dave Henderson

 

"Sand Caslte Building Days" was an innovative, creative idea and an overwhelming success.  The goal of integrating developmentally disabled individuals into the community could not have been better accomplished through any other activity." 

- Carol Bently, Assemblywoman, 77th District
San Diego Union-Tribune, Monay, Oct. 9th, 1995     
Story by Terry Rodgers