This contest attracts sand scultpure artists from around the world. If you come on Thursday and Friday, you will see the artists in action. On Saturday afternoon, the sand sculptures are judged and can be viewed by the public. There are lots of food vendors and vendors promoting products such as soda, yogurt, energy drinks, fitness bars etc. Ice cream stands such as the Banana Boat are also fun. There is also some live music. Once evening has set in, there are fireworks on the beach. I was surprised by the quality fireworks show. The show lasted a full 30 minutes and there were several times that I (and others) thought that it was the finale only to have more fireworks follow! This is a sign of a good show! Honestly, if I had to make a choice, I would skip the 4th of July Fireworks in Boston and come to this. There was more space, fewer people and still a great show. It is a lot more family friendly than the 4th fireworks as it is much easier to keep track of your kids. Plus, you don't have to end up standing for the entire show like you do for the 4th.
My favorite scultpture was the sponsor sandcastle as it fit the picture of a perfect sandcastle that I've always had in my head. It was very detailed and even had a person standing in the drawbridge gate beckoning vistiors. The tortise was also my favorite and this is the sculpture that won for 2011.
The beach itself is not too bad for a public beach. I had heard mixed things about this beach but have been back several times since the fireworks and have been impressed. It is well staffed and clean. There tends to be a lot of sea kelp in the water and on parts of the beach so that isn't great if you plan to spend a lot of time in the water but since New England beach water is freezing, you probably aren't going to be in the water much anyway. The beach is also great for jogging or kite flying in the off season. Plus, it is easily accessible by T via the Revere Beach and Wonderland stop. It is pretty amazing that you can be in the center of Boston and then be on a beach in less that 30 minutes.
