REVERE — Crowds flooded Revere Beach from one end to the other Friday afternoon for the opening of the annual Sand Sculpting Festival.
Sunbathers grabbed a spot on the beach, foodies tasted the surprises offered by more than a dozen food trucks, and young and old alike watched as sand became art before their eyes.
“The idea that Revere Beach has transformed itself into someplace that would host something like this — it’s another Boston-proud moment,” said Gina Nazzaro of Roslindale, who visited the city with three generations of her family.
Her sister, Lisa Nazzaro, was happy to be along the stretch of road taken over by trucks carrying everything from gourmet ice cream sandwiches from Frozen Hoagies to more savory options including Boston Burger Co. and Kelly’s Roast Beef.
Aria Labonte said she attended the festival once before and was wowed by the scale of the celebration. This summer, with her nearly two-year-old daughter, Juliet, in tow, she was impressed all over again.
“She is loving it,” said Labonte. “She loves the sand. She loves the sand sculptures. She wants to get out there and make her own.”
Sixteen sculptors hit the beach to tackle their individual pieces in the late-morning summer heat Friday. The artists traveled from near and far; one commutes from Saugus, while more than two thirds travel from outside of the United States.
At the center of the chaos is a 30-feet wide by 20-feet tall replica of the USS Constitution, chosen in recognition of the warship’s 220th birthday. The vessel has been drydocked for the past two years to undergo repairs, but, coincidentally, will be returning to the open water Sunday.
The monument is surrounded by wooden barrels and crates scattered about, all crafted from sand.
Friday’s festivities also saw sculptors teach children how to create their own castles using only a bucket, plastic spoon, and knife. Jets of water and steam shot through the display at waiting children, who played the part of pirates trying to invade the ship.
The festival opens again today at 10 a.m. with live music sounding off at 11:30 a.m. Sculptors will drop their tools at 2 p.m. and spectators will vote for their favorite pieces until 4 p.m.
Smokin’ Joe and the Henchmen will perform live music, leading up to the largely anticipated awards ceremony at 6 p.m. Awards will be handed out to sculptures deemed best by spectators.
Live music from World Premiere Band and fireworks will cap off the night.
The festival will open for its final day on Sunday at 10 a.m. Beach-goers can view the completed sculptures until 8 p.m., while local groups perform, including the Rachel Ferrante’s Academy of Performing Arts, Revere Karate School, and the Revere High School Robotics team.
The Great Escape, a local Journey tribute band, will play from 3-6 p.m.
Bridget Turcotte can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @BridgetTurcotte.
