LINCOLN, New Hampshire — Independence Weekend, which began nearly 20 years ago, is a celebration of winter, snow and New Hampshire’s most-powerful snowmaking system, which covers 96% of Loon’s total of 325 acres of terrain. This includes Loon’s new 50 acres of terrain at South Peak, which opened in December.

On Saturday, January 19, families can ski with Uncle Sam throughout the day. He is a sight that certainly cannot be missed, as he skis on stilts.

A gift card scavenger hunt will also take place throughout the day. Loon Mountain gift cards worth $25 will be hidden around the mountain, and the lucky winners can use the gift cards toward food and beverage purchases, lift tickets, rentals or ski school lessons.

The highlight of the weekend happens Saturday evening with grooming cat rides for kids, fireworks, torchlight parade and family activities such as face painting and a magic show.

On Sunday, January 20, Loon Mountain will celebrate football, another popular American winter pastime. Skiers and riders are encouraged to wear their favorite football jersey over their winter jackets and paint their faces their team colors.

Starting at noon, there will be sports-themed games taking place outside the Governor’s Lodge that include “Snow Strike Out” and “Snowman Hat Trick.”

Both The Bunyan Room and Babe’s will host Bud Light apres-ski parties featuring great prizes on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 19-20.

For a detailed Independence Weekend schedule, go to: http://www.loonmtn.com/info/events/calendarevent.inddayweekend.item.asp.

Additional upcoming events include:
January 26: Open Season III- Open to both snowboarders and freeskiers. Takes place in the Little Sister Park.

February 2: USASA Halfpipe- Snowboarders earn points toward national competition.

February 2/3: Droppin’ In Women’s Snowboard Camp- 2 days of everything snowboarding. Open to women of all ages of at least intermediate ability.

February 8: CASA Snowfest- Charity fundraiser with WMUR TV.

For a full events schedule, more information or to make vacation reservations, go to http://www.loonmtn.com.