David L. Ryan/Globe Staff

The Ninth Annual National Sand Sculpting Festival at Revere Beach started Thursday. Justin Gordon from Groveland worked on his entry.

David L. Ryan/Globe Staff

Artist Steve Topazio of Tiverton, R.I., worked on his sculpture.

David L. Ryan/Globe Staff

The event is the largest of its kind on the East Coast. Chris Guinto of Key West, Fla., was pictured on Thursday.

David L. Ryan/Globe Staff

Event organizers are expecting over 500,000 spectators to Revere Beach.

David L. Ryan/Globe Staff

Wally, the Red Sox mascot, was worked on by Tamarijn Ziedins from Peabody.

David L. Ryan/Globe Staff

Children participated in a sand art class conducted by some of the sculpture artists on Thursday.

David L. Ryan/Globe Staff

A sculpture honoring Fenway Park will serve as the centerpiece of the event.

Wendy Maeda/Globe Staff

Co-organizer and competitor Meredith Corson of Sanding Ovations in Treasure Island, Fla., prepared for the event last week.

Wendy Maeda/Globe Staff

Co-organizer and competitor Dan Doubleday of Sanding Ovations in Treasure Island, Fla., dampened sand for the Fenway sculpture.

Wendy Maeda/Globe Staff

250 tons of sand were delivered and stacked in preparation for the event, which runs through Sunday.