Anyone at Penfield Beach in Fairfield may have stumbled upon artistic sandcastles and sculptures. It's the 23rd annual Fairfield PAL Sandcastle Contest – and it's bringing the community together, one dig at a time.

"We're always looking for positive activities for kids in town. Here's something kids can do on their own or with their families," says Bob Seirup, of Fairfield PAL.

Organizers say it's a fun way for members of law enforcement to get together with the community without uniforms. There were also some serious designs and competition in the works.

"We are in Fairfield with my two daughters who just got back from camp and we are making a treasure map," says Jason Wilson of Fairfield.

Other participants made mermaid and shark sculptures. Some were even so ambitious, they created couches and boats out of sand you could sit in.

"We're making a couch and were gonna call it ‘The Couch Potatoes,’" says another participant.

Registration was free and prizes were awarded to those who win in different categories.