“Sandi,” Paradise Island and Other Sand Sculptures Taking Shape in West Palm Beach

IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

Contact: Meredith Westheimer
Phone: (561) 213-8192
Email: [email protected]

Contact: Diane G. Papadakos, Director of Communications
Phone: (561) 822-1411 (TTY: 800-955-8771)
Email: [email protected]

** MEDIA ALERT **

Famed Holiday Sand Tree, “Sandi,” Paradise Island and Other Sand Sculptures to Begin Shaping Up for the Holidays
City of West Palm Beach prepares Sandi, the World’s only 35-foot, 700-ton holiday sand tree, for the annual Clematis by Night Holiday Tree Lighting

  

WHO: the City of West Palm Beach
Sandi, the World’s only 35-foot, 700-ton holiday sand tree

WHAT: The sand delivery part of Sandi’s story is complete – and now it is time for the sculptors to get to work!

The City of West Palm Beach has received 850 tons of sand on the Great Lawn. The sand sculptors, Team Sandtastic, will mold 700 tons of sand into the holiday sand tree “Sandi.”  Team Sandtastic has been sculpting Sandi’s curves since the start and they are beginning their sculpting phase. The team will work daily for more than a week to finalize Sandi’s intricate design. 

They will also use 100 tons to construct other sand sculptures along the waterfront and 50 tons for a new activity, Paradise Island Presented by Dunkin’, a sandbox with holiday and pirate-themed activities in relation to this year’s theme. In total, it takes about one month to ensure Sandi and the surrounding area is ready for the big debut during the Clematis by Night Holiday Tree Lighting on Nov. 30, 2023.

WHEN: Daily from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. through Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023

WHERE: Great Lawn: 100 N. Clematis Street, West Palm Beach, FL 33401

WHY: Holiday in Paradise was recognized in 2021 as the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice for “Best Public Holiday Lights Display” – and is currently in a competition to regain the top spot. To vote for Holiday in Paradise, featuring Sandi, visit here or wpb.org/events.

About this year’s Holiday in Paradise:

The City of West Palm Beach is preparing to say ‘ahoy’ to another season of Holiday in Paradise Presented by FPL. At the center of the month-long celebration are Sandi, the World’s only 700-ton holiday sand tree, and Ferris Powered by Land Rover Palm Beach. The Ferris wheel debuted as part of Sandi’s cast of characters last year. The annual celebration features tons of free entertainment, 100 tons of other sand sculptures, nightly music and light shows, and daily things to see and do. This year’s extravaganza will “Treasure West Palm Beach” and feature a pirate theme. In celebration, the City is adding a new element – Paradise Island Presented by Dunkin’. The addition is a 50-ton sandbox with holiday- and pirate-themed activities. Sandi, Ferris, and all activities will debut on the Great Lawn during the Clematis by Night Holiday Tree Lighting.

This year’s theme features a new character and chapter in Sandi’s annual story. While sailing the ocean sea on a pirate ship, Captain Pauly the Parrot sees the glittery lights of Sandi and Ferris from afar through his spyglass. His band of merry men send him to see what treasure awaits. When they all descend on Sandiland, they discover that the true riches of the holiday lie in celebrating with community, family, and friends.

Since her debut in 2012, Sandi has received numerous international and regional awards and accolades, including “Best New Event” and “Best Event within an Existing Festival” by the International Festivals and Events Association, “Most Innovative Project” by the Florida Festivals and Events Association and a Henry Award from VISIT FLORIDA.  Sandi has been featured in/on The Huffington Post, Thrillist, CNN, Martha Stewart, Travel + Leisure, and The Ellen Show. She also has her own closely followed social media accounts @Sanditreewpb.

For more information about Holiday in Paradise or other City events, please visit wpb.org/events or follow the City’s events pages on Instagram and Facebook @eventswpb. For all City news, follow @CityofWPB on Facebook, and @TheCityofWPB on Instagram and Twitter. 

PHOTO / VIDEO OPS: 8-10 sand sculptors from Team Sandtastic carving out Sandi’s curves over 10 days, and construction of other sand sculptures along the waterfront and Paradise Island.

MEDIA CONTACTS: Meredith Westheimer, reachable at [email protected] or (561) 213-8192, and Stephanie Carrillo, reachable at [email protected] or (786) 294-5127.

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Sponsors to date include Florida Power & Light, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Health Specialty Center, Dunkin’, Land Rover Palm Beach, Discover The Palm Beaches, NewDay USA, 97.9 WRMF, SUNNY 107.9, New Country 103.1, X 102.3, PARTY 96.3, News Talk 850 WFTL, FOX Sports 640 AM, WPBF 25 News, West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority, Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office, The Inscription West Palm Beach, The Ben, Autograph Collection, Visit Palm Beach, Best Western Palm Beach Lakes, Hawthorne Suites by Wyndham West Palm Beach, WPB Magazine, Hilton Palm Beach Airport, Hilton Garden Inn, West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency, The Palm Beach Post, Jolly Time Popcorn and Cox Science Center and Aquarium.

Collaborators to date include Historic Northwest Neighborhood, Northwood Village and Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach.

About the City of West Palm Beach:  
The City of West Palm Beach is a vibrant and dynamic City located on the Atlantic coast of Florida. With a rich history, a thriving arts and cultural scene, and a commitment to sustainability, the City of West Palm Beach is a great place to live, work, and play. As one of the three largest cities making up the South Florida region, and the central City of Palm Beach County, West Palm Beach is a vibrant, growing, waterfront City that offers the business advantages available in the region, combined with a more refined and relaxed environment for living and working. To learn more about the City of West Palm Beach, visit us on our official website, or follow us on our social media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and/or Linked-in.