https://www.news-journalonline.com/news/20181212/edgewaters-sand-sultan-unveils-massive-sculpture-at-vatican-nativityWhen the Vatican lit up its Christmas tree in St. Peter’s Square, it illuminated a massive project Edgewater resident Rich Varano and his international crew of sand sculptors began three years ago: A 17-foot-tall “Sand Nativity†to be blessed by the Pope on New Year’s Eve.
The owner of Varano Sand Sculpture Co., and “The Sultans Of Sand Worldwide†began building sand sculptures in New Smyrna Beach in the 1960s while in grade school. Now 60, the seasoned pro directed the design and construction of the colossal Nativity scene — its 52 feet long and 25 feet wide and made of more than 700 tons of sand — and took artists almost a month to build on site in Vatican City.
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