FORT RUCKER, Ala. (August 9, 2012) -- The Landing Zone has hosted many events and celebrities since its conversion from the officers club and Aviators Landing in 2009 -- including Wayne Hoffman, Gin Blossoms and the LoCash Cowboys -- but now it's time to celebrate its birthday Aug. 24 at the Tiki Hut Bay located just outside the facility.

The Landing Zone, which is a Family-friendly facility, celebrates its third birthday with a weeklong celebration Aug. 18-24.

Jodi Roark, promotions coordinator at The Landing, said that many specials will be offered to patrons who come to celebrate.

"Aug. 18 we will have free smoothies and games for children from noon to 6 p.m. out in the Splash! pool; Aug. 19 we will have unique games and prizes; Aug. 21 patrons will receive complimentary chips and salsa; Aug. 22 we will have an extra-special wing night and Aug. 23 children will eat for free with the purchase of an adult entrée," she said.

The Landing Zone will offer a buy-one-entrée-get-one-free special all week long after 4 p.m., she added.

The Landing Zone also hosts an adult-only celebration that is open to the public Aug. 24 at Tiki Bay. This Hawaiian-style party will be from 6-8 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase for $15 at The Landing Zone until Aug. 23 at 4 p.m. Tickets will be sold at the door for $18 per person the night of the event.

The Birthday Bash Hawaiian dinner includes: big island chicken, beef teriyaki, citrus roasted fish, fruity rice, stir-fry vegetables, sweet potato wedges, fruit, musubi, rolls and birthday cake.

Entertainment will also be provided by DJ Dave and drink specials will be available, said Roark.

Roark said that The Landing Zone wants to provide an event or opportunity for adults to come together and enjoy good food, music and company.

"It's a chance for people to have a good time relaxing and enjoying our neat drink specials and to have fun dancing. The pool will be closed, but we hope people will show up in their Hawaiian best. It's okay to let loose," said Roark.

If weather proves to be unpleasant the party will still go on, said Roark. "We will simply move the festivities inside."

Unit salutes are often held at the Landing Zone and the restaurant also provides food for parties that are held at the Splash! pool, but the restaurant is typically open Mondays through Fridays for lunch and dinner.

Future events to be held at The Landing Zone include: Girls Night Out Sept. 7, Kid's Night Character Dining every Tuesdays in Sept., and Oktoberfest and comedy events.

The officer's club was established in 1967, but was combined with the NCO club in 2009 to create an all inclusive, all-ranks club now called The Landing Zone.

"The pool has been here as long as the original officers club, but the Splash! area and Tiki Hut Bay were introduced about three years ago," said Tim Carter, the food and beverage program manager at The Landing.

For more information, call 598-8025.