One of the Clearwater's most anticipated annual events is in full-swing.
This is the first weekend of the 2018 Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival presented by Visit St. Pete/Clearwater on Clearwater Beach.
The festival molds 1,000 tons of Clearwater's sugar sand beach into an artistic paradise for 10 days. This year's festival runs April 13 to 22.
This year's theme event is Sea America: A Celebration of America's Treasures.
The event features 12 renowned sand artists, who create amazing sand sculptures on display under a 21,000-square-foot tent, so the event is able to go on rain or shine.
Admission is $10 for adults, $6 for students age 6 to 17, $8 for people 55 and older and free for children age 5 and younger with the purchase of an adult ticket. People who work in the following fields - police, fire, military and education - are admitted for $8.
The sand exhibit is under a massive tent. However, it is a family fun event for those who prefer to enjoy the open-air environment for free. A children's area with games is set up outside of the tent.
For the first time, the festival will host a Tampa Bay Lightning Playoff Beach Bash. The party begins at 5:30 p.m. Monday; the puck drops at 7:30 p.m.
The playoff beach bash will feature live music, giveaways, Lightning Girls,
For more information about the festival, call (727) 871-8060 or visit the website SugarSandFestival.com.
