Hundreds of tons of sand are arriving on the West Palm Beach waterfront this week, kicking off the city’s annual holiday sand sculpture tradition.
Eight to 10 dump trucks are expected to deliver sand to the Great Lawn each day, for a total of 850 tons. Sculptors will use 700 tons to build Sandi, the 35-foot holiday sand tree. The rest will go into four smaller sculptures along the waterfront. Deliveries should wrap up by the end of the week, and sculptors are scheduled to start work Nov. 16.
Residents say the display has become a family tradition. Chloe Esposito, a West Palm Beach resident, said Sandi reminds her of childhood holidays in Florida. Michelle Babek said she brings her niece, nephew and parents, often followed by dinner.
Sandi has been a city holiday fixture since 2012. This year’s theme is “The Art of the Holidays,” which focuses on color, movement, music and imagination. The city’s Holiday in Paradise celebration begins Nov. 27, and Sandi’s official tree lighting is set for Dec. 3.
