**The Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival: A Celebration of Resilience and Art**
17 Sculptors from Around the World Gather in Clearwater Beach
The annual Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival, presented by Visit St. Pete Clearwater, is just around the corner, and this year’s event promises to be even more spectacular. The festival, now in its 11th year, will feature 17 talented sand sculptors from all over the world, who will be working tirelessly to create breathtaking masterpieces over the next three weeks. “We’re working with 1,000 tons of your beautiful beach sand here,” sand sculptor Karen Fralich said, highlighting the importance of the sand in this year’s festival. The sand, brought in from Clearwater Beach, serves as a symbol of the beach community’s resilience in the face of natural disasters. Just six months ago, the beach was left scarred by the devastating effects of back-to-back hurricanes, Helene and Milton.
A Backstory of Resilience
The beach community came together to restore Clearwater Beach to its former glory, sifting and cleaning the sand to create a thriving tourist destination once again. “The resiliency of this beach community to come together, the importance of tourism… everyone came together to bring the sand back to life,” said Lisa Chandler, the founder of the festival. Chandler emphasized that tourism is the number one economic engine for the beach, and it’s a testament to the community’s strength and determination.
The Art of Sand Sculpting
Now, sand sculptors are adding life to the sand in another way, using their creativity to build Dinoshores-inspired creations over the next three weeks. The theme this year is Dinoshores, a nod to the ancient beasts that once roamed the earth.
- Fralich, who’s from Canada, has been sculpting sand for 31 years and is returning to the festival for her 10th year.
- She’s been working with the festival for 10 years and has seen it grow into one of the most popular events in Clearwater Beach.
“I’m addicted to sand sculpting,” Fralich said, highlighting the unique challenges and rewards of working with sand. The process begins with compacting the sand with water, making it packable and allowing for intricate carvings. The sculptors must work quickly, as the sand will eventually erode, and the creations will fall.
| Exhibit Expansion | Features |
|---|---|
| 24,000 square feet | Augmented reality portion, projecting images onto the sculptures to bring them to life |
More Than Just Sand Sculpting
The festival will also feature eight nights of Frenchy’s free beach concerts, fireworks, free sand sculpting classes, and more. Visitors can park for free in downtown Clearwater and take advantage of the Jolley Trolley, which will transport them to the festival for free. Tickets are $14 plus tax, with kids three and under admitted free. A VIP option is also available for $70, which includes dinner, drinks, a festival t-shirt, great seats for the concerts, and entrance to the festival.
What to Expect
The festival will run from April 11 to April 27, and visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities, including:
* Frenchy’s free beach concerts
* Fireworks displays
* Free sand sculpting classes
* Augmented reality experiences
* A variety of food and drink options
* Shopping and browsing the exhibit
“I’m addicted to sand sculpting,” Fralich said, highlighting the unique challenges and rewards of working with sand. The festival is a celebration of the beach community’s resilience and the art of sand sculpting. It’s a unique and fascinating blend of art, nature, and community spirit, and it’s an event not to be missed. Stay Connected: Follow FOX 13 Tampa on YouTube and stay up-to-date with the latest news and updates from the festival. Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to experience the beauty and creativity of the Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival. Mark your calendars and get ready to be amazed!
