Decorated lifeguard chairs accompanied by holiday lights and sounds, set against an ocean backdrop, provided the perfect solution to thousands of people affected by the 2020 pandemic. Jacksonville Beach Deck The Chairs organizers, sponsors and volunteers stepped up to produce one of the most successful events in its eight-year history. The Beaches holiday tradition attracted an estimated 90,000 visitors over 42 days. High marks were given for the new and innovative exhibits and the variety of weekly children’s programming safely produced under CDC recommended guidelines.
“We knew there would be a desire to get out and see lights, especially for families with kids,” said Deck The Chairs Founder Kurtis Loftus. “I think we all were amazed by how many showed up. The weather for most of the event was great, so on traditionally slow days, more people than normal were out in the afternoons before the lights came on and stayed later in the evenings.”
This year, Deck The Chairs is introducing a new interactive light and music exhibit — SeaSongs Spectacle. This custom-fabricated exhibit will showcase 12 lifeguard chairs crafted to represent two whimsical fish, featuring motion-activated musical instruments. Sponsor and donor logos will be featured on each one of the chairs.
2021 Schedule: Nov. 20-Jan. 1, 2022
Opening night (Nov. 20): Introducing SeaSongs Light and Music Spectacle
Returning: Beaches Go Green Octopus Garden; Moonlight Movies; Tuba Christmas/Santa; Weekly Children’s Dance Programming
Jan. 1, 4:30 p.m.: Gator Bowl Pep Rally
Free and open: Lights nightly from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Musical Light Show — Nightly at 6 p.m., 7 p.m., 8 p.m. and 9 p.m.
The event is handicap accessible and pet friendly. Concessions will be available on weekends and scheduled holiday nights.
Sponsorship opportunities are still available. To learn more, email info@deckthechairs.org
For more information about Deck The Chairs or to volunteer, go to www.deckthechairs.org.
