This Just In ...

The lessons will be taught by an expert from 10 a.m. until noon at the Ocean Trace entrance to St. Augustine Beach. The lessons, suitable for sand castle lovers or all ages, will take place at the same place and time on the first Saturday of each month through October 3.

The lessons are sure to give participants the confidence they need to compete in the Big Sand Sculpting Contest to be held November 7 as part of the day-long celebration of the City of St. Augustine Beach's 50th Birthday.

Incorporated in November 1959, the 50th birthday of St. Augustine Beach is being celebrated with a variety of events designed to highlight the attractions and atmosphere that have made the city such a popular getaway destination for the past five decades.

September 12 will feature a Birthday Surf Contest, on October 19, a history gallery and retrospective of the city will open at the Cultural Center; November 2 will feature a cake and ice cream social in the City Hall parking lot. The birthday celebration will culminate on November 7 with a huge party at the Beach pier, including live music, concessions, dancing in the streets, pirates and the Big Sand Sculpting Contest!

The City of St. Augustine Beach Birthday Celebration is supported in part by a grant from the St. Johns County Tourist Development Council. For more information on the event, go to 50thbeachbirthday.com or call 904.471.2555.