Sean Fitzpatrick takes playing in the sand to a whole new level.

We're not talking your everyday pail-and-shovel games here. Give the master sand sculptor from Saugus a pile of sand and a couple of days, and there's no telling what he can create.

Last year, he designed a 250-ton sea pirates sculpture on Revere Beach. He crafted an 11-ton old-fashioned sand castle on the shores of Wollaston Beach in Quincy a couple of weeks ago. And last weekend, he turned nine tons of sand into a replica of the Penfield Reef Lighthouse in Fairfield, Conn.

Now, he's ready to work his magic at Salisbury Beach. Fitzpatrick and his sand-sculpting talents will be the main attraction in the beach center over the holiday weekend.

First thing tomorrow morning, 12 tons of special sculpting sand (which Fitzpatrick said holds together better than typical beach sand) will be deposited in Salisbury Beach Center. And Fitzpatrick will take the 3- to 4-foot mound that will cover a 15-foot area from there.

Working with his wife, Tracey, he will spend two days designing his more than 6-foot-tall interpretation of the Statue of Liberty's outstretched hand and torch, flanked by the American flag.

Fitzpatrick will start by packing the sand into special forms used to shape his creations. Then, he'll start chiseling away at the design. Spectators are welcome to watch the progress along the way, with the finished piece ready for inspection by late Saturday afternoon. Once it's completed, it'll be illuminated by lights at night.

"We're looking forward to it," said Donna Abdulla of Joe's Playland, which is working with the Salisbury Chamber of Commerce to help sponsor Fitzpatrick's visit to Salisbury. "I've never seen one of his completed sand sculptures. They're supposed to be incredible."

While Fitzpatrick works, one of his sculptor friends will be teaching children the tricks of the sand trade. A demonstration area will be open both tomorrow and Saturday for youngsters to practice the art of sand sculpture.

Fitzpatrick, who owns Fitzy Snowman Sculpting, never sculpted until his children were born. Then 17 years ago, his daughter asked him to build a snowman shaped as Santa Claus. From there, he's segued into sand sculpting, ice sculpting and even pumpkin sculptures.

The history of sand sculpture dates back thousands of years, Fitzpatrick said. It is thought to have been the first form of communication before ancient man developed languages, even possibly predating cave paintings.

Fitzpatrick retains some of that ancient tradition, using sand to create what he hopes are thought-provoking sculptures. He's designed sculptures for corporations, festivals and even weddings and led team-building exercises for companies in the sand.

His trip to Salisbury is part of a new pilot program the master sculptor initiated this summer. Building off the success of the New England Sand Sculpting Festival he co-founded on Revere Beach five years ago, he's now extending the fun to other beaches in the region.

"We're taking the formula we started in Revere and spreading it all over New England. It'll be almost like a circuit," he said. "It's been such a huge tourist attraction in Revere, and has benefited the area both socially and economically."

Fitzpatrick is accustomed to drawing a crowd when he works, and welcomes the curious to watch him in action.

"People do appreciate it for the art form that it is," he said. "It's an undeniable attraction."

Salisbury's Salute to Independence Day

Sand sculpting is just one of the draws for Salisbury Beach's Fourth of July festivities. Concerts and a fireworks display on Saturday night are also planned.

The schedule for the holiday weekend follows. Admission to all of the events and activities is free, but they are weather-dependent. Visit www.salisburychamber.com for more.

Tonight

r The B-Street Bombers performs on the beach center mall stage, 7 p.m.

Tomorrow

r Professional sand sculptor Sean Fitzpatrick of Fitzy Snowman Sculpting works on his sculpture in the beach center, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Interactive children's area also open.

r Smokin' Joe and the Henchmen perform on the beach center mall stage, 7 p.m.

Saturday

r Professional sand sculptor Sean Fitzpatrick of Fitzy Snowman Sculpting continues work on his sculpture in the beach center, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Interactive children's area also open.

r Saturday Night Sock Hop with Gary Francis featuring a special patriotic tribute fills the beach center stage, 7 p.m.

r Fireworks light up the sky over the beach center, 10 p.m.

Big Bang

Communities throughout Massachusetts and all along the Seacoast will celebrate the Fourth with colorful pyrotechnics displays. Here are some of the shows planned in the local area:

Tonight

r Haverhill: 9 p.m., Haverhill Stadium, Lincoln Avenue.

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Tomorrow

r Amesbury: 9:15 p.m., Woodsom Farm, Lion's Mouth Road. The display will be preceded by carnival games and food starting at 5:30 p.m., a concert featuring Odyssey at 5:30 p.m., a flag retirement ceremony led by Boy Scout Troop 4 at 7 p.m., followed by a concert with Daryl Keeter and his six-piece band.

r Ipswich: 5 to 10 p.m., The Crane Estate, Argilla Road. The night features music by the Merrimack Valley Philharmonic and the bluesy tunes of The Porch Rockers followed by fireworks. Admission $25 adults, $15 children. Discounts for members. Visit www.trustees.org.

r Hampton Beach, N.H.: 9:30 p.m., on the beach across from C Street.

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