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Revere Beach 
International Sand Sculpting Festival  
July 26 - 28, 2019

Revere Beach is located six miles north of downtown Boston. The beach is a natural mudflat with a wide sandy knoll along its three-mile length. From 1906 to 1975, Revere Beach contained a popular amusement park, that was considered by many to be Boston's Coney Island. During its hey-day in the 1920s, it was not unusual for 100,000 people to visit Revere Beach to swim, ride an amusement, or go to one of the famous dance halls that operated there for many years.

During the 1980s, condominiums were constructed along Revere Beach, which marked the beginning of revitalization in the area. In 2004, the first New England Sand Sculpting Festival was held. The annual contest soon offered cash prizes, which attracted famous sculptors from all over the world. This year’s tournament will take place from Friday July 26 to Sunday July 28, 2019, north of the bandstand on Revere Beach Boulevard (Beach and Revere Streets).  The closest MBTA stop is Revere Beach Station on the Blue Line, which is within walking distance to the festival. Free parking is available along Ocean Avenue and Revere Beach Boulevard (review signs for strict time limits), as well as parking lots (fee) near Wonderland MBTA Station.

Revere Beach Sand Sculpting Festival
Sand Sculpting Festival

Revere Beach has a broad sidewalk reminiscent of an old-fashioned boardwalk. During the sand-sculpting event, a small fence is set up parallel to the sea wall. Visitors stroll along a walkway in the sand and observe the art works displayed in a temporary gallery. Artists are usually sponsored by local businesses, with familiar Boston landmarks often being the theme for the festival.

The artists adhere to strict rules during the contest. Each sculptor is given 10 tons of sand and are assigned an 18’ x 18’ square exhibit area. Work by the artists is limited to 24 hours in total length, which is spread out over several days. Forms for molding components are allowed and must be removed prior to the artworks being rated by the judges. The sand sculptures are evaluated using four categories: (1) degree of difficulty, (2) originality and creativity, (3) quality of sculpting, and (4) overall visual impact. Thousands of dollars in prize money are offered each year, which garners some of the best artists in the nation to the festival. The New England Sand Sculpting event draws a lot of people to Revere Beach, and has increased the appeal of visiting this local attraction.

During its peak as an amusement park, Revere Beach actually had 3 roller coasters operating at the same time. The Cyclone was the most famous roller coaster, and was known for its exciting drop and sharp curves. The Cyclone shut down in 1973, and was destroyed by fire in 1974. The last ride at the beach was Hurley's Dodgem, which this editor fondly remembers (near Joe & Nemo's & the Playland Arcade).

To convey how popular Revere Beach was at one time, the following is quoted from 1869 in The Oracle magazine: "Before us spreads the broad curving beach, amply wide for a score of carriages to drive abreast, when, as at present, the tide is at ebb. The wealth and fashion of New England are here, rolling in magnificent equipages, or gaily curvetting upon mettled steeds. The surf breaks in a murmur along the shore, sending the white foam of the wave crests high up the sand which glitters with the reflection of the gorgeous sunlight. The splendor of the fashionable world is here; but the real splendor of sea and sky is the picture of which this pageant of fashion forms but the tinsel fringe."

The main features of the International National Sand Sculpting Festival at Revere Beach are:

• Master Sand Sculpting Competition 
• Food Trucks 
• Live Entertainment 
• Exhibit Booths 
• Treasure Hunt 
• Community Village 
• Interactive Learning Zone 
• Children's Sand Sculpting Lessons 
• Fireworks Extravaganza 
• Lots more...

 

2010 Festival Photos 
2006 Festival Photos

 

Friday July 26, 2019

10:00 am - 10:00 pm 
Sand Sculpting Festival Open 
Exhibitors & Concessions Open

8:00 am - 5:00 pm 
Solo Master Sand Sculptor Competition

2:00 pm - 10:00 pm  
Entertainment:
 
2:00 pm to 4:00 pm — TBA
4:00 pm to 8:00 pm — TBA
8:00 pm to 10:00 pm — TBA

Saturday July 27, 2019

10:00 am - 10:00 pm 
Sand Sculpting Festival Open 
Exhibitors & Concessions Open

8:00 am - 2:00 pm 
Solo Master Sculptor Competition

10:00 am - 4:00 pm 
Face Painting, Clown & Kite Flying Demo (Tentative)

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm 
People's Choice Voting

3:30 pm - 4:00 pm 
Sculpture Judging & Voting

6:00 pm - 6:30 pm 
Awards Ceremony

9:00 pm - 9:30 pm 
Fireworks Extravaganza

11:00 am - 10:00 pm 
Entertainment:
 
11:00 am to 1:30 pm — TBA 
1:30 pm to 3:00 pm — TBA 
3:00 pm to 7:00 pm — TBA
7:00 pm to 8:30 pm — TBA

Sunday July 28, 2019

10:00 am - 8:00 pm 
Sand Sculpting Festival Open 
Exhibitors & Concessions Open

10:00 am - 2:00 pm 
Amateur Sculpting Competition (Adults) (Tentative)
(Pre-registration Required)

12:00 am - 2:00 pm
Amateur Sculpting Competition (Kids) (Tentative)
(Pre-registration Required)

8:00 pm 
Festival Closed 
Exhibitors & Concessions Closed
 
(Sculpture Viewing is Usually Possible Until Erosion Occurs)

10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Entertainment:
 
11:00 am to 2:00 pm — TBA 
3:00 pm to 5:00 pm — TBA 

 

2019 Updates:

It is recommended to use the MBTA and public transportation to and from this event. The MBTA Blue Line can be taken to the Wonderland or Revere Beach stops.

Most Frequently Asked Question: What if it rains? The Festival is a rain or shine event. A binder is used within the sand by the artists to make the sculptures a bit weather resistant.

Is sculpture viewing possible after the Festival has ended? The sculptures can be viewed until they erode, which is determined by weather conditions (rain, fog, humidity).

Where do I park? Take the MBTA if possible! There is extremely limited parking on Ocean Avenue (some metered) and the northern side of Revere Beach Boulevard. Wonderland Garage is located near the MBTA station along North Shore Road. Wonderland Markeplace has allowed limited overflow parking in previous years.

 

Contact Information & Address:

Revere Beach International Sand Sculpting Festival 
Revere Beach Blvd (Beach Street to Revere Street), Revere MA 02151 
internationalsandsculptingfestival.com
781.902.9742

 

Rapunzel Sand Sculpture 2010
Rapunzel Sand Sculpture (2010)
   
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