Sand Sculptor says he won't disappoint fans

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Sand Sculptor says he won't disappoint fans

08/22/2008 10:16 PM
By: Nneka Nwosu

NEW YORK STATE FAIR -- For 15 years, Dave Henderson has come back to the State Fair for many reasons, one in particular.

"It's good stuff, this is some of the best sand on earth,” said Henderson.

So when a doctor said he needed a life-saving kidney transplant, Dave pushed it back. He just couldn't disappoint sand fans. However, he also hopes to raise awareness about organ donation.

"My wife's going to donate, she's a living donor and apparently, people can donate their kidneys and save lives,” said Henderson.

During the fair, Dave will continue dialysis treatment 4 hours every other day and spend eight to 10 hours a day in the sand.

This year's creation is titled, "Mysteries of the Deep,” a collection of sea creatures and pirate ships.

"We're kind of surprised as anyone else because we don't really know exactly what's going to be here,” said Henderson.

Though he scrapes and carves through pain, the final product is worth the effort.

"I know Dave loves carving, he really does and the fact that this is a great fair. That makes up for a lot of pain and hardship he goes through,” said fellow sand sculptor Alan Matsumoto.

The sand sculpture should be complete by next Friday.

WATCH VIDEO: The giant sand sculpture draws thousands of onlookers at the State Fair each year. Our Nneka Nwosu introduces us to one of the sculptors who's doing much more than shaping sand.
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