Think you have what it takes to build the perfect sandcastle? Test your creative and artistic skills on Wednesday, July 25 during the Parks & Recreation Department-sponsored Sandcastle Building Contest.

This fun-filled event begins at 3 p.m. and runs until 5 p.m. It will be held at Guilford's Lake Quonnipaug, located on Route 77. The contest is open to all residents, young and old.

In addition to the sandcastle building, there will also be games and other activities occurring, including the popular hula-hoop contest. The event, which has been happening for about five years, traditionally offers hot dogs, chips, and water for participants.

Parks & Recreation Department intern Rachel Narducci has been organizing the contest for the past two years. She said that although pre-registration is offered, most builders sign up the day of the competition. Individuals can participate, but groups are encouraged. The contest itself will run about 1½ hours, with food breaks offered in between.

Last year's Sandcastle Building Contest drew in about 10 groups competing against each other. Narducci said that number makes for good competitions, though a few more groups could be accommodated if more turn out.

Groups from last year's contest tested their artistic skills and created a variety of different castles.

"One group made a shark and there was one really big group that had about 13 people in it and they made an octopus that was about 10 feet" around, Narducci said. "Another couple of groups made regular sandcastles, but a lot of them made castles by the water and they created a little pond." Some even stocked their castles' moats with fish caught in the lake.

Instead of ranking participants as first, second, and third prizewinners, the victors of the competition are based on categories. There are four categories for the 2012 event, which are most creative, best group effort, most original, and best overall performance. Those who earn the title of one of those listed above will receive a prize from the Parks & Recreation Department.

Interested in learning more about the Sandcastle Building Contest? Call the Parks & Recreation Department at 203-453-8068 or stop by the office located at the Nathanael B. Greene Community Center on 32 Church Street to pre-register for the contest.