Beaches Rotaract and the Rotary Club of Ponte Vedra Beach banded together with help from Sally Corp. this year to transform a lifeguard chair into a bedazzled nautical-themed light display as part of the 2015 Deck the Chairs celebration.
Deck the Chairs is an annual lighted sculptural exhibit using the iconic red chairs of the American Red Cross Life Saving Corps. Each year, chairs are sponsored by local businesses and organizations and then decorated by regional artists and volunteers. The exhibit stays on display in Latham Plaza at downtown Jacksonville Beach for the month of December.
Deck the Chairs supports the Jacksonville Beach Volunteer Life Saving Corps -- and all proceeds from the event go to help supplement funding provided by the American Red Cross and the City of Jacksonville Beach. Funds are used for training and outreach programs, as well as maintenance of the oceanfront lifeguard facility.
This year the Sea Walk Pavilion Area -- adjacent to Latham Plaza between First Street N. and the beach -- is home to the iconic 24-foot handcrafted Deck the Chairs tree, the Beaches Winter Playground with a 28-foot Deck the Chairs seashell slide as well as activities for kids, six oversized decorated displays and holiday shows and performances throughout the month.
On Dec. 13, visitors were surveyed and the Deck the Chairs design committee selected its favorites. Winners included: Best in Show: Beaches Episcopal School; The Great Decker: Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens; Best Lighting: Rotary Club of Ponte Vedra Beach; Best Creativity: Four Points by Sheraton; The Griswold: BRASS and Judges Favorites: Beaches Car Wash and In The Pink.
Deck the Chairs will be on display through Jan. 2, 2016. For more visit www.facebook.com/deckthechairs
