2023 Revere Beach International Sand Sculpting Festival draws thousands

By Neil Zolot

Despite some inclement weather, thousands attended the festival. “We were blown away by the attendance,” Revere Beach Partnership Board of Directors member and event committee chair John Hamel said. “Friday tends to be slow but July 28 was our biggest Friday ever.”

There were 15 entries plus other sculptures related to the theme of the festival – 90 Years of Kong – related to the classic film “King Kong” released in 1933, although the sculpture also features Godzilla. “We had master sculptors from all over the world,” Hamel said. “They graced the beach with world class sculptures.”

“We have a lot of events in Revere, but this is the gem,” Saugus and Revere State Representative Jessica Ann Giannino added. “It’s pretty special to have artists from all over the world.”

Among them was Deborah Barrett-Cutulle of Saugus, who created a three-part sculpture – “Embracing Our Differences” – featuring images of Asians, Caucasians and people of color. “I hope people will get the message,” she said.

The only other sculptor from New England was Greg Grady, from New Hampshire, whose piece was a half moon – titled “Talking to the Moon” – inspired by his sons. His nickname is G2 because his father and namesake was also a sand sculptor. He has relatives in Saugus and Melrose.

The festival is also a competition. Judged by other sculptors affiliated with Broken Glass Sand Sculptures of Hawaii as the best work was “Neptune’s Morning Coffee” by Slavian Borecki of Poland. “Finally,” he reacted, referring to his second-place finish last year. He’s headed to Virginia Beach for his next festival. He also said the time given the sculptors to create their work, four days in this case, is never enough.

Usually, the sculptures last one to three weeks after the festival, but heavy rain Saturday night did some serious damage.

Vendors of all kinds lined Revere Beach Boulevard, including a truck from Kowloon. Operations Manager John Chang reported steady business. “Everybody knows Kowloon,” he said. His days started at 7 a.m. at the Saugus restaurant, stocking the truck, and ended near midnight after unloading and cleaning.

A Ferris wheel near the Revere Beach subway station and bandstand evoked memories of when Revere Beach was full of arcades and rides.

Local politicians were also taking in the sights. “The festival is a huge highlight of our summers and a huge boost for small businesses,” Revere’s Acting Mayor Patrick Keefe said. “Every year I’m more and more amazed by the creativity. It highlights how beautiful Revere and Revere Beach are.”

He also enjoyed a show by Blue Man Group Friday night, which Hamel said helped bring in people.

Revere School Committee member Jacqueline Monterroso called the festival “amazing” and comparable, if not better than, sand sculpting events she saw while living in Florida.

Revere and Winthrop State Representative Jeff Turco, whose district includes the beach area, said the festival “showcases America’s first public beach.” He’s also a former board of director member, treasurer and member of the Revere Beach Partnership and a current Revere Beach Partnership advisor.

“This is one of my favorite events and a great opportunity to show how special Revere Beach is,” Giannino agreed. “We know how special it is. I hope if people get a taste of it, they’ll come back.”

Roy Konyeaso drove up from Rhode Island and brought friends Cristobal Arco and Imana Cordera visiting from Spain with him. “Somebody told me about it,” Konyeaso said. “It’s great. Arco was impressed by the detail in the works.”

On the other hand, Alynn Albert just walked down the street from her Revere Beach Boulevard condo with her nephew Henry Baker, who was visiting from Connecticut. “I come every year,” she said. “It’s great.”

“It’s impressive,” Baker added. “People come from all over the world to share their talent.”

Mario Caporale, who grew up in East Boston, and his wife Nancy drove in from Reading. “We come down every year,” he said.

Although starting in 2004, 2023 marked the 19^th festival due to its cancellation in 2020 during the pandemic. Preparations are already underway for 2024 by the organizers and the sculptors. “It’s a constant process,” Grady said. “I have many projects I’ll do before that, but you’re always thinking.”

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