When the Stellato family decides to enter a sand castle competition, they do not mess around.

With all hands on deck, the Stellatos built up Emma Lou's Palace (named after the family cat) – complete with tower, moat, bridge and shells from Maine.

"We bought a sand castle building book and watched videos. We bought the tools it suggested," said mom Cindy Stellato."It was a way to learn how to work as a family."

The Stellatos were one of several entries in the sand castle contest, part of  Mattapoisett Recreation's 2nd annual Tiki Party at Town Beach.

Holyn Turner and Maria Psichopaidas made a sea turtle for their design after considering a seahorse and an anchor while Sam Allaire and friends created a sizable shark o' sand.

Besides the contest, the Mattapoisett Library set up a booth with exotic drinks as well as an area to sign up for summer programs. The Mattapoisett Lions Club also grilled hot dogs free of charge for beach goers while Desmond Bourne deejayed from the porch of the beach house.

Mattapoisett Recreation committee member Kaitlin Keegan also set up an area to make red white and blue bracelets.

"We're just getting into the summer spirit," she said.