Page 16 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, AUGUST 4, 2023 FESTIVAL | FROM Page 1 of Kong – related to the classic fi lm “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 Diff erences” – 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 affi liated with Broken Glass Sand Sculptures of Hawaii as the best work was “Neptune’s Morning Coff ee” by Slavian Borecki of Poland. “Finally,” he reacted, referring to his second-place fi nish 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. Master sculptures with members of the Revere Beach Partnership and elected offi cials (Advocate photos by Tara Vocino) 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.” Shown from left to right: Saugus resident Deborah Cutulle-Barrett, Hampton, N.H., resident Greg Grady, New Jersey resident Matthew Deibert and Poland resident Slavian Borecki. 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 Acting Mayor Patrick Keefe congratulated fi rst place winner Slavian Borecki of Poland. Representative Jeff Turco, whose district includes the beach area, said the festival “showcases Saugus resident Deborah Barrett-Cutulle’s sculpture was “Embracing Our Differences,” featuring diff erent ethnic and body shape images. Canada resident Abe Waterman’s sculpture was “Serentude.” Shown from left to right: fi rst place winner Slavian Borecki, second place winner Hanneke Supply, fi fth place winner Bouke Atema and fourth place winner Karen Fralich. Third place and the Sculptor’s Choice award went to Jonathan Bouchard. Shown from left to right: Acting Mayor Patrick Keefe, Jr., School Committee member Jacqueline Monterroso, State Representatives Jeff rey Turco and Jessica Giannino and Councillor-at-Large Steven Morabito during Saturday night’s awards ceremony at Springhill Suites. The Netherlands resident Ludo Roders’s sculpture was “Silence of Nature.” Belgium resident Hanneke Eyeing the King Kong sculpture were Rhode Island resident Roy Konyeaso (third from left), who brought his friends from Spain: Cristobal Arco, Inma Cordero, Amalia Salvador, Martin Cordero and Hugo Arco. State Representatives Jessica Giannino and Jeff rey Turco with Turco’s children, Dominic and Mary, checked out Abe Waterman’s sculpture. Supply won second place for “Trapped in Your Own Mind, the Way Out is Through the Heart.”
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