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21st Annual Revere Beach International Sand Sculpting Festival is History

By Neil Zolot

 

Massachusetts’ history was the theme of the 21st Annual Revere Beach International Sand Sculpting Festival, which included men and women dressed in colonial attire and a Fife and Drum Corps, from Friday, July 25–Sunday, July 27. “I come here every year, but this year is special,” Revere resident and Revolution 250 volunteer Tom Coots, dressed in colonial garb, said. “It’s wonderful.” He also recalled spending a lot of time on Revere Beach while growing up.

“This is what Revolution 250 is all about,” the group’s Executive Director, Jonathan Lane, also dressed in colonial attire, added. “It’s about people coming together to celebrate our heritage.”

David Nunes came down from Gloucester in colonial dress to pose with people on the beach. He was very popular the afternoon of Saturday, July 26. “It’s a wonderful event,” he said.

Although independence was declared 249 years ago, commemorative events have started this year marking the beginning of the Revolution in 1775. It seemed obvious for the festival. The 2024 theme was the Festival’s own 20th anniversary. In 2023, it was the 90th anniversary of the film “King Kong.”

The William Diamond Junior Fife & Drum Corps, named after the drummer boy at the Battle of Lexington in 1775, came over from that town. Its members included Sam Cartreine, C.J. Gilbert, Amalia Linden and Jayden Treadway. “We’ve been here before, but the anniversary flavor adds a little more to it,” chaperoning parent Michael Linden said.

Revere Beach Partnership Director John Hamel noted that to help stage the Festival the group received a grant from MA250, the state chapter of America 250, which is organizing and sponsoring events all over the country. He also noted that the Revere Beach Partnership received a grant from the state Gaming Commission, represented by its Chair, Jordan Maynard, and Commissioner and former Melrose Mayor Paul Brodeur.

As usual, many of the local politicians attended the Festival, some more than once on July 26. Mayor Patrick Keefe came to see the sculptures in the morning and came back for the awards ceremony in the early evening. “Everyone is having a good time and I’m enjoying myself,” he said. “It’s fun to see the colonial reenactors.”

During the awards ceremony he was given the Golden Shovel for his work on behalf of the Festival. It was presented to him by Revere Beach Partnership Vice President Adrienne Maguire, who received it last year and started the Festival 21 years ago with one sculpture. She also recalled spending a lot of time in her formative years on Revere Beach. With vendors along the Boulevard and rides behind them between the Boulevard and Beach Street, the atmosphere was reminiscent of years past.

Councillor-at-Large Juan Jaramillo enjoyed the event with his family. “I like it’s a celebration of the state’s history on America’s first public beach,” he said. “It’s the crown jewel of the summer for Revere and all of Massachusetts.”

“I always love coming here,” his wife Crystal added.

“I love the Festival,” his father Oscar agreed.

Lella and Vincent DiMaggio came from neighboring Winthrop. “I love it,” Lella said.

“Every year it’s beautiful,” Vincent added.

In the sculpting competition, “Delicate Balance” by Canadian Abe Waterman won First Prize as well as the People’s and Sculptor’s Choice Awards. “I’m very surprised,” he confessed. “I always enjoy coming here. The crowds are great, and we get to work with good sand.”

“Deep Sleep” by Slavian Borecki of Poland was awarded Second Prize, with “I See You (can you see yourself” by Belgian Hanneke Supply receiving Third Prize.

“We’re grateful the sculptors come here from all over the world,” Hamel said.

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