Rethinking that day trip to the shore? You’re not alone. Inflation and high gas prices are forcing many of us across the Delaware River Towns to reconsider our summer travel plans. The good news: You can stay close to home and still get your fill of sun and sand.
Starting June 8, Peddler’s Village, in Lahaska, PA, will be showcasing six 12-foot-tall sand sculptures and two smaller ones created by four master sand-sculpting crews. The outdoor exhibit, titled “Bucks County Beach Days: Sand Sculptures in the Village,” will run through August 31 as part of the village’s larger 60th-anniversary commemoration.
If this makes you think of that annoying family that always happens to set up camp next to yours at the shore, then spends the next several hours displacing a quarter-acre of sand in the name of their precious castle and moat, you’re not thinking big enough. Check out these creations by The Sand Sculpture Company, one of the builders at Peddler’s Village. And these by Team Sandtastic, another builder.
Didn’t even know that was possible, did you?
The builders started work on their respective displays a couple weeks ago. The finished sculptures will depict a number of Bucks County landmarks and themes, including Peddler’s Village, Washington Crossing Historic Park, covered bridges, Fonthill Castle, and the Bucks County Playhouse, among others.
This isn’t the first time Peddler’s Village is doing something like this. In fact, Team Sandtastic created a series of whimsical sand sculptures there from 1997 through 1999. And Ted Seibert, another of the “Beach Days” sculptors, was hired by Peddler’s Village founder Earl Jamison to do his thing in 1992 as part of the village’s 30th anniversary commemoration. Although, this latest edition will be the grandest yet.
Beyond the sand sculptures, there’s lots going on this month at Peddler’s Village, including the “Beach Blanket Bash” June 18, from 6 PM to 9 PM. Think live music, food trucks, dancing competitions, outdoor games, a foam party (!), and fire pits with s’mores roasting. And every weekend, the village will be transforming itself into a large summer block party, with live entertainment and lots of kid-friendly activities. When the heat and humidity become unbearable, duck into one of the restaurants, which will be offering food and drink specials.
It’s not the boardwalk at sunset. But it is only a short drive away from wherever you are and decidedly more affordable than a day at the beach.
