LINCOLN, New Hampshire ??” Loon Mountain bids a sweet farewell to summer with free Gifford’s ice cream and its annual Labor Day Weekend Ice Cream Festival. Families will love the classic, old-fashioned feel of an ice cream social with events to include contests, relay races, crafts, face painting, pony rides and a free make-your-own sundae smorgasbord. A special appearance by the king of Rock ???‚¬??n Roll, on Sunday, is sure to get everyone all shook up for autumn.

The sweet, creamy fun starts on Saturday, September 3. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., visitors can make their own sundaes and have their faces painted for free. Pony rides will also be available for $5 a ride. Free fun and games for kids, including an ice cream spoon race, a find-the-cherry-in-the-whipped-cream competition and a cherry-spitting contest, will take place throughout the afternoon.

On Sunday, September 4, it’s more ice cream, face painting and pony rides, plus kids can craft themselves a jazzy pair of Elvis glasses or take part in a swivel-your-hips-like-Elvis Hula Hoop contest. At noon, the king of Rock ???‚¬??n Roll takes the stage for the enjoyment of all.

While at Loon’s Ice Cream Festival, families can enjoy the ultimate Loon Mountain experience by boarding the four-person Gondola Skyride for a round trip excursion to the summit. The ride to the top of Loon Mountain affords spectacular panoramic views of the White Mountains while seated in fully-enclosed comfort. At the summit, guests can explore glacial caves, embark on a nature trail, climb the four-story observation tower or even enjoy a delicious Jamaican-style lunch on the deck of the Summit Caf?В©. Gondola tickets are $10.50 for adults and $6.50 for children, and provide unlimited rides to the summit on the day of purchase.

For more information about Loon’s Labor Day weekend Ice cream Festival, please call 800-229-LOON (5666) or visit www.loonmtn.com.