NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Historic Eagle Street will be covered with sand on Saturday afternoon for the 24th annual Eagle Street Beach Party. 

 

Founded by artist Eric Rudd in 1999 as an annual community sculpture, the beach party is sponsored by Rudd's Berkshire Art Museum and the city of North Adams.

 

Some 500,000 pounds of sand donated by Specialty Minerals will be spread curb to curb the entire length of

the downtown street. Hundreds of children and families each year are able to enjoy the unique urban beach and create sand sculptures at the community art event. 

 

Sand pails and shovels will be handed out as will certificates to Jack's Hot Dog to 250 SteepleCats tickets for children 12 and younger. First come, first served. 

 

The event runs from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. In case of rain, or a serious threat-of-rain, the event will be the following week, Saturday, Aug. 3.

 

The Mexican Fiesta added in 2010 will not be held this year but is expected to resume next year. The donated sand is used by the city for winter and street construction projects.

 

Supporters also include Adams Community Bank, Nocher Realty, A1, Greylock Federal Credit Union, North Adams Steeplecats, as well as volunteers and prize donors.  

 

Volunteers are needed to help spread the sand starting at  noon; shovels provided; just show up.