CONTACT: Laura Ward | WardComm Public Relations, LLC

laura@wardcommpr.com | 860.573.4809

ED JARRETT PREPARES TO RECLAIM TALLEST SANDCASTLE TITLE

Construction of “Castle Laurita” to Begin with April 20 Ground Breaking Ceremony

April 13, 2015 | New Egypt, NJ – In one week, world-renowned sculptor Ed Jarrett will break ground on his fifth attempt at the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the Tallest Sandcastle, “Castle Laurita” at Laurita Winery in New Egypt, New Jersey. Each of Jarrett’s previous attempts have set new records. And, all four sandcastles were built and sculpted 100 percent by hand.

This time, it’s different. Very different. It is the first time in 12 years Jarrett will attempt to shatter a record he did not set. In addition, the rules have changed. Last fall, Caterpillar, Inc. was permitted to use its powerful machines to construct the World’s Tallest Sandcastle in Brazil. The big brand surpassed Jarrett’s 2013 record by just over three feet, making 41 feet, 3.67 inches the height to beat.

“People have always asked me why I attempt to break my own record, and my answer is always that I’m simply seeing how high I can go while having fun and raising money for charity,” says Jarrett. “This fifth attempt at the world record is extra exciting – one, I am competing against someone other than myself and trying to reclaim my title; two, I get to use machinery to pack the sand and save all my energy for my favorite part, the sculpting; three, I will once again be raising money for charity; and, four, I have lucky sand.”

The sand to be used for Castle Laurita is the same sand Jarrett used for his 2013 world record sandcastle on Jenkinson’s Beach in Point Pleasant, New Jersey. Jarrett and his team are in the process of finalizing arrangements with Castle Laurita’s beneficiary and details will be announced in the coming weeks. Additional information about the official ground breaking ceremony being planned for Monday, April 20, 2015, will be available later this week.

Given that machinery will be utilized in the construction of Castle Laurita, Jarrett will not need the thousands of volunteers previously required to help build his sandcastles with buckets and shovels. However, there may be opportunities for volunteers during different phases of the project and those interested in assisting should monitor Jarrett’s website and social media (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram) for updates.

Most recently, Jarrett headlined Laurita Winery’s Ice Sculpture Festival in February, using more than five tons of ice to sculpt a fire engine, fire breathing dragon, igloo, snowmen, and more. Before that, he created “Boardwalk Journey,” a 5,000-square-foot sand museum in Seaside Park. Open throughout the summer of 2014, the exhibit illustrated the history of the New Jersey boardwalks and raised money for charity.

About Ed Jarrett

Ed Jarrett volunteers his time to sculpt sand, ice, and more for charity. He set his first GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for the Tallest Sandcastle in 2003 when his creation standing 29 feet, four inches tall in Falmouth, Maine broke the record previously held in Finland. Since then, he has broken his own record three times, most recently on October 29, 2013 with a sandcastle 38 feet, two inches tall in Point Pleasant, New Jersey.

About Laurita Winery

A sustainable alternative, linked to the local area through tradition, culture, and respect for its natural resources, Laurita Winery in New Egypt, New Jersey, is committed to creating wines that derive as much character from the fruit as possible. The name “Laurita” comes from the first names of owners Randy Johnson’s and Ray Shea’s mothers, Laura and Rita, to whom the winery is dedicated. Laurita Winery offers wine tasting and vineyard and winery tours. It is a regional destination for the enjoyment of diverse musical and cultural entertainment from country line dancing and outdoor movie nights, to jazz and blues to multi-media art displays. The Inn at Laurita Winery, is an amazing 10-room inn offering full amenities and a five-star, three course breakfast. For more information, visit www.lauritawinery.com.

# # #