Stunning sculptures: Artists set to compete during 22nd annual Revere Festival

REVERE, Mass. — Hundreds of thousands of visitors are expected to flock to Revere Beach to catch a glimpse of towering sand carvings as more than a dozen artists compete in the Revere International Sand Sculpting Festival.

The city’s been hosting the weekend-long event for 22 years. It kicked off Friday, even though artists from across the world have been perfecting their projects this past week.

The 15 sand sculptures will be voted on Saturday night by the public and fellow sculptors.

Revere Beach Boulevard is expected to be shut down through the weekend for spectators, food trucks, carnival rides, and more off the water.

Mayor Patrick Keefe Jr. has been planning this event carefully.

“It’s an opportunity to highlight our city and get people to see what Revere is all about,” he told Boston 25 Friday. “It’s going to be wonderful and wild.”

He claimed it’s all hands on deck for Revere Police this weekend to secure the perimeter. They are also being assisted by state police and DCR crews.

“We have all the entry routes protected,” said Keefe Jr. “We have all the entities making sure they control the environment, making sure it’s family fun and friendly, and that everyone leaves and has a welcoming experience.”

Thousands of spectators got a head start Friday afternoon to see the artists in action.

“They are amazing,” said one Friday.

Jobi Bouchard, a Canadian artist, said he’s been competing here for a dozen years.

He explained, “It’s a great event. The beach is super nice, people are nice... t’s giving me the opportunity to be like a kid -- dig tunnels in the sand. That’s what I like to do.”

Mayor Keefe said voting on the 15 sculptors will take place Saturday night followed by fireworks if the weather permits.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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