Magical Nights of Lights Conjured Up Special Brand of Magic for Military & First Responder Families

BUFORD, Ga. - Jan. 21, 2016 - PRLog -- A beloved holiday tradition, the Magical Nights of Lights at Georgia’s Lanier Islands already represents a special brand of magic for countless families in the South. During the 2015-2016 season, that concept has proven particularly true for families of law enforcement, fire services and the U.S. military members as the Southern lakeside resort extended free admission to the six mile-long, holiday-themed driving tour of lights in a show of gratitude for their service to the community and nation. As the news spread, the number of police officers, firefighters, active duty military members, veterans and their families steadily grew. By the time the event had come to an end on January 3, 10,747 military personnel, first responders and their family members had enjoyed the Magical Nights of Lights at no charge.

“We first launched this endeavor in mid-2015 by extending free admission to our beach, boardwalk and waterpark at LanierWorld to members of the U.S. Armed Forces, law enforcement and fire services,” said Mike Williams, CEO for Lanier Islands. “We couldn’t think of a better way to say ‘thank you’ to a group of people who give so much and make so many sacrifices for us all – whether right here in the community or half a world away. Based on the response last summer and so far this winter¸ our message has been extremely well received. We truly appreciate the aid of the Metro Atlanta community and local media in spreading the word so thousands of military and first responder families could enjoy this year’s Magical Nights of Lights show, completely free of charge.”

Lanier Islands Director of Marketing, Cindy Wahl adds, “Of course, just because the holidays have come and gone, that doesn’t mean the Islands’ show of appreciation to our local heroes has to end. We’re truly thrilled that this endeavor has coincided so beautifully with the recent launch of Hall County’s new ‘Back the Badge’ campaign – designed to show support for and solidarity with members of law enforcement. We encourage other local businesses and individuals to jump on the #backthebadge bandwagon, too. Given the incredibly supportive nature of the community that surrounds us, I have no doubt that we can all work together to make this campaign viral. Anyone who wants to take part can learn more about ‘Back the Badge’ on the HallCounty.org website.”

In addition – for the remainder of the winter season – members of the U.S. Armed Forces, law enforcement and fire services can also enjoy free admission to the resort’s newest attraction, Winter Adventure* – featuring a flurry of fun-filled speed slides, snow play zones, zip lines and more. The Winter Adventure season continues on select dates through February 15, 2016. To learn more about Lanier Islands and Winter Adventure, prospective guests are invited to visit www.lanierislands.com.

About Lanier Islands: Nestled on the southern-most shoreline of Lake Sidney Lanier at the foothills of the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains lies the truly distinctive Lanier Islands. Situated less than 45 miles from downtown Atlanta on 1,500 pristine acres of forests, meadows and beaches, this luxury resort is quickly growing in size, scope and reputation as one of the Southeast’s leading lakeside retreats. As the resort’s crown jewel, Lake Lanier is one of the United States’ most popular man-made lakes, encompassing 38,000 surface acres and 690 miles of shoreline in Northeast Georgia. Legacy Lodge and Legacy Villas enhance the resort’s broad assortment of accommodation choices and meeting sites – making it the ideal choice for corporate meetings and company retreats. Popular excursions like fun in the sun at the boardwalk-themed LanierWorld, zip lining through the trees with Lake Lanier Canopy Tours, horseback riding on a lakeside trail from the Equestrian Center, and renting a boat and ski equipment from Harbor Landing make the resort a terrific choice for families vacationing or “staycationing” in the South. Tranquility – the Spa and the picturesque 18-hole Lanier Islands Legacy Golf Course are major draws for visitors looking to relax or play, and with more than 20 wedding venues to choose from, the Resort is rapidly gaining favor with brides- and grooms-to-be as a highly sought-after Destination Wedding site.

Lanier Islands is steadily securing a solid standing for their unique vision of the future of this luxury retreat, their unswerving dedication to the comfort and enjoyment of their guests, and their signature brand of Southern Hospitality. In 2014, the Resort became a member of the highly esteemed Southern Living Hotel Collection. The Islands has also been awarded the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for two consecutive years and was named “Best Place for Family Fun” by Best Self Atlanta Magazine in 2015.

* Military personnel (active duty and retired) and members of law enforcement/fire services must show valid id to enjoy free admission to Winter Adventure at Lanier Islands.