Two UNF-themed lifeguard chairs unveiled and UNF Night to be celebrated at ‘Deck the Chairs’ unique holiday event
The University of North Florida will have two UNF-themed lifeguard chairs unveiled as part of the 8th annual “Deck the Chairs” holiday competition opening at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 21, at the Seawalk Pavilion at Jacksonville Beach.
Deck the Chairs has also designated Saturday, Dec. 5, as “UNF Night.” There will be UNF holiday swag available from 4 to 6 p.m. at the chairs and a movie showing at 6 p.m. at the Pavilion.
One of the UNF-themed lifeguard chairs was designed by first-year science and engineering students in the STEM Living-Learning Community. The other chair is sponsored by the UNF Alumni Association who worked with Deck the Chairs founder and UNF alumnus, Kurtis Loftus, to use this event as a safe and community-focused celebration in place of their annual holiday party.
The 9-foot-tall, authentic lifeguard chairs will be adorned in lights and connected by an 11-foot large nest with a basketball hoop, made to resemble the UNF Arena. Students from the Music Living-Learning Community will also play music to entertain visitors throughout the season.
DPR Construction donated their building materials, time, labor and talent to build the display and make the UNF vision come to life. Every creative detail is a work of precision, craftsmanship and creativity that makes this UNF-centered exhibit unique and impressive. The display will be interactive and provide a place for visitors to rest or play.
“This project has been a really fun way for students to keep engaged during a difficult semester where socializing opportunities are limited, said Amy Lorenz, UNF Housing and Residence Life associate director.
Earlier this year, UNF Housing and Residence Life sponsored a “Swoop the Chairs” competition within the Living Learning Community students. Students competed to decorate lifeguard chair models and then posted the models on social media for the public to vote for a favorite. The STEM community won most votes and was chosen to represent the University in the competition.
Deck the Chairs opens Saturday, Nov. 21, and remains on display until Friday, Jan. 1. Visit www.deckthechairs.org to find out more information about this special, ocean-side holiday celebration and to cast your vote for UNF to win the lifeguard chair decorating competition.