It’s back!

Every year on July 4, The News takes over Starlite Beach to host a competition that asks participants to put their artistic and engineering skills to the test.

The Alpena News Sandcastle Contest will return Tuesday.

Competitors in three divisions — a kids division, a division for one to five builders, and a division for six or more builders — will build castles with an eye toward creativity, originality, and use of natural resources.

Cash prizes will be awarded in each division.

Past year’s winners have included Star Wars themes, animals, faces, and more.

The contest is a blast every year, and it only adds to the festivities surrounding the Independence Day holiday.

Registration begins at 8 a.m. and judging begins at 3:30 p.m.

We encourage everyone to come out to Starlite Beach and put on your artist’s hats to wow us with your creativity.

Or just come out to the beach to peruse some truly unique and exciting designs.