Grab your shades and some SPF and head to the Revere Beach National Sand Sculpting Festival, happening Thursday through Sunday. Ten renowned sand sculptors will be working diligently on the shores of Revere Beach vying for first place. Onlookers can also vote Saturday afternoon to award the Peter McCauley People’s Choice Award to their favorite artist.

In addition to their individual sculptures, the participating professionals contribute to a central, themed sculpture. This year’s theme is Rapunzel. We’re thinking castles, royalty, and evil witches — all carved out of sand.

[Onlookers walked past a demonstration area where Sandi "Castle" Stirling worked on her sculptures at the 2009 competition — John Tlumacki / Globe staff]