Clearwater Beach is gearing up for the 2018 Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival. 

The theme this year is Sea America: A Celebration of America's Treasures. The event runs from April 13-22. 

About 450 volunteers, or "Sand Ambassadors," are needed to work throughout the 10-day event. 

Volunteers will help in the staging, exhibit area, merchandise area, sand sculpting and giant sandbox area, VIP and entertainment. Those who volunteer will receive a free T-shirt, meal voucher, free parking and Clearwater Ferry ride and admission to the festival the day of their shift. 

Businesses can also sign up for a minimum of 10 employees for a group volunteer shift. Those businesses will get logo recognition, ferry rides, T-shirts, meals, among others.

Tickets are now available online. People who pre-buy tickets will get a discount on merchandise and a "fast entrance" to the event. 

Admission to the sculpture exhibit is $10 for adults, $6 for students ages 6 to 17 and $8 for those 55 and older, military members, police officers, firefighters, and teachers.  Children 5 and younger are free. 

For more information on the Pier 60 Sugar Sand Fest, volunteer info, admission, VIP access, click here.