Cecil County Government: Award-Winning Tourism Campaign Returns In Winter Of 2022

Press release from Cecil County Government:

12/01/2021

Award-Winning Tourism Campaign Returns in Winter of 2022

Elkton, MD: At the recent Maryland Tourism & Travel Summit, Cecil County’s 2021 “Winter Lights ~ Cecil Nights” campaign was recognized as the Best Product or Event (medium size category) by the Maryland Tourism Coalition. Presenters touted the campaign’s creativity and partnership during COVID-19 to support small businesses. The promotion focused on lighting up the County’s downtowns in January and February to encourage people to bundle up, get out of the house, have fun, and visit Cecil’s municipalities.

Best Product or Event

Last year’s partners included Maryland’s Upper Shore Regional Council, Maryland Office of Tourism, APG Federal Credit Union, Chesapeake City, Elkton, North East, Port Deposit, Perryville, and Delmarva Power. “We are honored to accept this award on behalf of all the partners who were vital in making Winter Lights~ Cecil Nights a huge success”, stated Sandy Maruchi-Turner, Cecil County tourism manager. “The creativity of participating towns and businesses was exemplary.”

The event was successful in 2021 and Cecil County Tourism is excited to bring it back in 2022. All eight Cecil County municipalities will be participating, and all residents and businesses are encouraged to join the fun. “Putting lights on your home or business, or decorating windows, will help shine the spotlight on our small businesses”, said Maruchi-Turner. Current sponsors for the 2022 campaign include Maryland’s Upper Shore Regional Council, Alo Yoga, Integrity Real Estate, and Aberdeen Proving Ground Federal Credit Union.

“We are pleased to bring back Winter Lights~ Cecil Nights for another exciting winter”, stated County Executive Hornberger. “This campaign works to light up our beautiful downtowns and encourage residents and visitors alike to participate in fun activities, eat delicious food, and support our small business community.”

Winter Lights will celebrate family fun and chilly-weather dishes, so residents can bring a blanket and an appetite to dine on decks, eat indoors, or get take-out. Featured dishes last year included items such as steaming Bacon Mac & Cheese, Melty Bananas Foster, Crab Risotto, Crab Fondue, homemade Cream of Asparagus Soup, Fried Brussels, Molten Lava Chocolate Cake, Creme Brulee Coffee, and more.

Activity highlights from last year included a Sip & Stroll, White-Out light decorating contest, carriage rides, Puff Snowball Fights, a Crafty Snowman competition, Winter Sip & Paint, Snowflake Hunt, Snow Garden, Snowman-Making-Stations, and more.

“Winter Lights ~ Cecil Nights elongates our County’s holiday season all winter long”, added Hornberger.

Each participating town is now working on their plan of action for 2022. Stay tuned for more details about Winter Lights~ Cecil Nights. Before Christmas, www.WinterLightsCecilNights.com will be up and running with a schedule of activities and list of featured winter restaurant dishes. The Campaign officially begins January 7th, 2022.

For media inquiries, please contact Kevin Alkinburg at kalkinburg@ccgov.org or 410-996-8454.

Left – Right: Maryland Tourism Coalition (MTC) Board Officer Nora Campbell, Cecil County Tourism Manager Sandy Maruchi-Turner, Tourism Specialist Kim Ray, MTC Board Chair Chris Riehl

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This press release was produced by Cecil County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.