Sand sculpture comes to life at Blissfield River Raisin Festival

Roger Powell works on one of his Easter sand sculptures in Findlay, Ohio. He is creating a special new work for the Blissfield River Raisin Festival.

As children, many people have memories of building sand castles at the beach. It took just the right amount of sand mixed with a little water packed firmly in a pail to produce a basic sand sculpture. Roger Powell of Findlay, Ohio, has taken the concept to a much grander scale with intricate artistry and design. This week he will bring his amazing sand art to the River Raisin Festival. Approximately 80 tons of sand is being delivered to Ellis Park in the area of the bridge close to U.S. 223 where Powell will spend the better part of the next three days creating a larger-than-life sand sculpture depicting the festival’s “Magical History Tour: 30 Festive Years” as well as highlighting some of the icons and images that are specifically Blissfield. Powell is known for his creations that draw tens of thousands of people to his hometown each year to witness his sculptures of Easter scenes such as the Crucifixion with a 25-foot long Christ and the Last Supper.

For the complete copyrighted story, please see Melissa Burnor’s story in The Advance, July 10, 2013, edition. And to see this sculpture as it takes shape, please visit the Ellis Park side of the Blissfield River Raisin Festival July 10-13.