Kids love to head to the beach with a bucket and shovel, using their imaginations to turn damp sand into castles or other creations. And, once a year on the beach in Lincoln CIty’s Taft District, those creations are on steroids, as competitors of all ages vie for prizes in a number of categories at the Lincoln City Sandcastle Contest, returning this Saturday, Aug. 8. Presented by Mo's Lincoln City, the annual contest encourages participants to transform sand into everything from mermaids and cruise ships to whimsical "chowder heads" and entirely original creations. Participants are limited to using only sand, water, shells and other natural materials found on the beach that day. The event takes place on the beach at Siletz Bay near SW 51st Street in Lincoln City.