The smells of sea salt, sunscreen and fried food mixed in the air as Revere Beach celebrated its 20th annual International Sand Sculpting Festival July 19 to July 21.

Fifteen professional sand sculptors from around the world skillfully carved intricate pieces of art out of golden sand over July 18 and 19, competing for a total of $28,000 in prize money. Visitors were then able to admire the sculptures up close from behind metal gates and vote on their top choice using an online form. 

Participants also tasted food and drinks from a variety of food trucks and vendors, bought tickets for various carnival rides, listened to live music and shopped from numerous small businesses. Some event sponsors also had exhibitions with free giveaways.

With the weather in the high 80s and the sun shining bright all weekend long, many used the festival as an opportunity to enjoy the beach as well, laying down towels and pitching umbrellas.

An awards ceremony at 6 p.m. July 20 revealed the winners of the competition and was followed by a 20th anniversary Golden Hour VIP Reception and a fireworks display at 9 p.m.

The weekend’s events offered a diverse hub of entertainment that celebrated the annual tradition and the role it has played in bringing more visitors to the country’s first public beach. The Revere Beach Partnership continues to host public events, such as the Summer Music Series and upcoming Art Festival. With continued support from the Partnership’s sponsors, the Revere Beach community is able to celebrate its unique heritage while catering to locals and visitors alike.

For those who missed the festival, the sculptures will be kept up for another couple weeks.

Gallery • 12 Photos

Jessica Xing

A professional sand sculptor drags a hose while standing next to a sand sculpture titled “Barn Swallow, Swallow, Barn.” The sculptures were made purely from sand and water.