NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — For one afternoon each summer, historic Eagle Street is transformed into a giant sandy beach in the heart of downtown North Adams.

 

That happens this Thursday, July 16, from 4 to 8 p.m.

 

Created in 1999 by artist Eric Rudd, the Eagle Street Beach has become one of North Adams' most beloved summer traditions. Children and adults alike are invited to dig, build sandcastles, play beach games, relax in the sand, and enjoy an unforgettable afternoon on 500,000 pounds of sand spread curb-to-curb along the entire length of Eagle Street.

 

"I've always believed that the best public sculpture is one that people don't just look at — they experience," said Rudd.

 

Presented by the Barbara and Eric Rudd Art Foundation in partnership with the City of North Adams, the Eagle Street Beach is much more than a festival. Conceived as an urban beach sculpture, the artwork is not complete until thousands of children, families, and visitors become active participants rather than simply spectators. For one afternoon, an ordinary city street is transformed into a place of imagination, play, and community.

 

Children ages 12 and under can enjoy free giveaways while supplies last, including: Sand pails and shovels, Jack's Hot Dog gift certificates, North Adams SteepleCats tickets and additional surprises donated by local businesses.

 

While artificial beaches had appeared elsewhere in a variety of settings, the Eagle Street Beach is believed to have been among the first — and possibly the first — block-long downtown street ever transformed into an urban beach as a community sculpture. Several years later, similar urban beach projects, including the internationally known Paris Plages, began appearing in major cities around the world.

 

More than a quarter-century later, the Eagle Street Beach remains one of North Adams' signature summer traditions, welcoming thousands of children, families, and visitors while celebrating the city's long-standing commitment to creativity, public art, and community.

One of the questions asked every year is, "What happens to all the sand?" Specialty Minerals generously donates the 500,000 pounds of sand for the event. After the Beach closes, the sand is donated to the city of North Adams for municipal use, including winter roadway treatment and street construction projects.

 

Volunteers are invited to help spread the sand beginning at noon on Thursday. Shovels will be provided — just show up and join the fun.

 

The Eagle Street Beach is made possible through the generous support of the Barbara and Eric Rudd Art Foundation, Specialty Minerals, the City of North Adams, Greylock Federal Credit Union, volunteers, and many local businesses and prize donors.