2013 - 2015 Deck The Chairs

Deck The Chairs (DTC) grew from very humble beginnings launching in 2013 with 18 decorated lifeguard chairs on exhibit in Latham Plaza. DTC was the brainchild of Kurtis Loftus a small business owner who wanted to bring holiday activity into the previously dark, empty Jax Beach downtown space. In seven short years DTC has become nationally recognized and a well-loved Beaches tradition. There is no concise data on total number of visitors over the past seven years however conservative daily counts over the 5 week event place visitors at more than 65,000 annually. Furthermore, DTC is well-known for its fun, interactive displays and a popular activity with our visitors is sharing their favorite decorated lifeguard chairs via joyful social posts across the globe. In 2015, People Magazine tagged Jax Beach Deck The Chairs one of America's top 50 unique holiday events.

2016 Jacksonville Beach Deck The Chairs

2016 DTC year was marked by several significant upgrades to JBDTC and the launch a mid year fundraiser to help offset costs of the rapidly expanding FREE public holiday experience. DTC designers added another 7 foot to the whimsical music tree and created a light show that connected the tree to all the major decorations in the Seawalk Pavilion park space. DTC planners also introduced "Community Chairs" lightweight, portable replicas of the 9 foot lifeguard chairs. Business throughout the community were able to support DTC from all parts of the city with a decorated Community Chair positioned in front of their shops. Finally, DTC introduced a 16 page color event program and shared an app with visitors that promoted local business through coupons and holiday discounts.

2017 Jacksonville Beach Deck The Chairs

2017 DTC continued it's mission / vision work of promoting art activation in public space and proposed several new initiatives early in the year. The most creative effort was the introduction of the Tiny Chairs Decorating Contest. The concept was launched early in the year and eventually involved two dozen artists and art programs throughout the region. The 12" replica lifeguard chairs were distributed and custom decorated by artists competing in three age/talent level categories. The chairs were displayed and auctioned at the DTC Christmas In July fundraiser. Top three chairs were built full scale and put on exhibit at 2017 JBDTC.