OBSERVER File Photo Award winning sand artist Dan Belcher will create sand sculptures at Wright Park and Main Street beaches this weekend for the Beach Bash. Pictured is an example of his work.

From fun in the sand to live music and family-friendly activities, the city of Dunkirk’s Beach Bash promises to be fun for all this Saturday and Sunday.

The event will feature a multitude of returning favorites beginning with a professional sand sculptor.

“We’re bringing in world renowned sand sculptor Dan Belcher. If you go on his website, you see some of his gorgeous work. We’re really lucky to have him participate in this weekend’s event,” Dunkirk Festivals and Special Events Coordinator Hector Rosas said. “Because of the lack of beach we usually have at Wright Park, we will be utilizing the new beach which was done by our DPW Director Bob Bankoski down here on Main Street. He’ll do some sand sculpting there and then move over to Wright Park and do some sand sculpting at the beach they’ve cleaned up there.”

Belcher, who is based in St. Louis, Mo., has been a sand artist for 25 years, taking his talents around the world. He won the 2016 grand prize doubles at the Revere Beach Sand Festival in Revere, Mass. along with other awards and 17 world championships.

Rosas added that Belcher will also be interacting with children looking to learn the basics of sand sculpting.

Another returning favorite will be That 80’s Hair Band Sunday from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

“We have a marvelous lineup … and on Sunday we have a very famous band, The 80’s Hair Band,” Rosas added.

Other live music includes Party Squad from 3 to 5 p.m. and The Rising from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday and Derek Davis Band from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Music will start early each day with a DJ and band warmups at 1 p.m. All music will be performed at the city property between Serval and Ocelot streets on Lake Front Boulevard, so bring a chair or a blanket to enjoy.

Vendors include Fun-B-Que, Big Melcher’s Smokin’ BBQ, Street Meat, Merritt Winery Slush Bus, Taffy’s Milkshakes, the Southern Tier Brewery Beer Tent and the Beach Hut will also be open with their famous curly fries and ice cream.

In addition to food and drinks, other fun activities include bounce houses and a water slide for children, Lakeshore Humane Society and Veteran’s Affairs information tents and a small vintage car show courtesy of Lake Shore Hot Rods members.

Another returning favorite fundraiser — the politician dunk tank.

“We’re bringing back the dunk tank to raise funds for the Little League and some other nonprofit organizations. Last year, the mayor raised $400 for charity. He will be back with other local politicians looking to give back. So come out this weekend and support our local event,” Rosas concluded.

Sponsors for the event are the City of Dunkirk, Fieldbrook Foods and Community Bank.

“If you think this is all about another day at the beach, you have another think coming. This year’s Beach Bash is expected to be better than ever. I encourage you to come out and enjoy our 2017 Beach Bash, there will be something for everyone,” Mayor Willie Rosas added.