At Clearwater Beach sand festival, see the ‘Sands of Time’

Sixteen sand sculptors used 1,000 tons of sand to prepare for the Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival on Monday at Clearwater Beach. The two-week event kicks off Friday and runs through April 14. This year’s theme, “Sands of Time,” takes a nostalgic look back at the festival’s 10-year history.

The 17-day festival has free activities, including a children’s play area, street performers, artisans, live entertainment, fireworks, sand-sculpting classes, speed sand demonstrations and the master sand-sculpting competition.

Tickets are $14 to stroll through the 21,000-square-foot tent filled with sand art crafted by world-class sculptors. Hours are10 a.m.-9 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturday. Pier 60, 1 Causeway Blvd., Clearwater. 727-871-8060. sugarsandfestival.com.