In a pandemic-challenged year, organizers of Jax Beach Deck The Chairs were determined to provide a lift to residents and visitors. The secret ingredient to bringing joy into the community came once again from holiday lights and creatively decorated lifeguard chairs. Based on a very successful opening weekend and a Thanksgiving weekend that continues to grow in popularity, the organizers achieved their objectives.
“In its eighth season as Jacksonville Beach’s favorite holiday tradition, JBDTC decorators went the extra mile to guarantee visitors the best display we have ever put together,” DTC founder Kurtis Loftus said. “We worked more than seven months getting this exhibit ready for the public, and I am very proud of the extraordinary creativity showcased by our sponsors and volunteers in the JBDTC park space.”
One of the favorite activities for JBDTC attendees is to vote for their favorite chairs. This year, the competition has gotten intense with more than half the chairs decorated by brand new participants. Several newcomers include Boys and Girls Club of Northeast Florida, UNF Alumni Association and Living Learning Communities, Beachside Swimwear, Cancer Specialists of North Florida, Here Tomorrow, Kingdom Management and The Discovery School.
Visitors also appreciated the new exhibit layout, which featured less fencing along the sidewalks and additional space between the chair displays. Organizers set up a larger concession tent and increased park lighting to help make the experience more relaxing and easier to navigate.
Finally, mark your calendars for the following free arts programming scheduled during the month of December:
■ Saturday, Dec. 5 – Moonlight Movies presented by City of Jacksonville Beach, chorus and dance performances
■ Saturday, Dec. 12 – Tuba Christmas and Night of Music and Dance 1 (dance performances)
■ Saturday, Dec. 19 – Chair Awards, Visit from Santa and Night of Music and Dance 2 (dance performances)
Go to www.deckthechairs.org to learn more or to volunteer.
