Security increased after vandalism incident at B.C. sand sculpture competition

Parksville Beach Fest Society: number of guards doubled

Security increased after vandalism incident at B.C. sand sculpture competition Published 4:15 pm Monday, July 13, 2026 Parksville Beach Festival is increasing security on-site after suspected vandalism to several sculptures at the Quality Foods Sand Sculpting Competition over the weekend. Cheryl Dill, president of the Parksville Beach Festival Society, said the number of security guards has been doubled, as well as patrols by an additional company. “We have increased security and feel confident in the improvements so far,” Dill told the PQB News.

“The cameras in the community park have been very helpful. The city and the RCMP are working together currently with the information they have gathered.” The City of Parksville confirmed it provided festival staff with the security footage, but did not have further comment at this tie as it is an ongoing investigation.

Oceanside RCMP said the investigation is ongoing. Because several sculptures in the doubles category were affected, organizers met with sculptors and judges and a decision was made that the prize money would be divided among all the pairs. None of the solo sculptures were damaged, but the festival’s sand berm and interactive sculpture were vandalized.

RELATED: Suspected vandalism leaves Parksville Beach Festival Society ‘disappointed’ RELATED: Winners unveiled at Parksville international sand sculpting festival RELATED: Opening weekend draws more than 8,600 visitors to Parksville Beach Festival