After a less-than-dry month of June, a demand for summer fun exploded over the long Fourth of July holiday in the White Mountains.

(TRAVPR.COM) USA - July 13th, 2013 - North Woodstock, NH:  After a less-than-dry month of June, a demand for summer fun exploded over the long Fourth of July holiday in the White Mountains.  That, combined with a welcomed improvement in the weather, had crowds streaming into the major attractions in this northern region of New Hampshire.

The difference was noted by area attraction managers. “Visits this year compared to the same period last summer at Attitash were up 18 percent and at Wildcat, 15 percent,” reported Thomas Prindle, Director of Marketing at Attitash Mountain Resort in Bartlett and Wildcat Mountain in Pinkham Notch.  Along with the Nor’Easter Mountain Coaster, an Alpine Slide, outdoor waterslides and other sports-based adventures, two new attractions at Attitash also drew more vacationers to the mountain: the Airbag Jump and Slacklines. 

Visitors at Wildcat Mountain also found relief from the higher temperatures via a speedy, mid-air ride on the ZipRider, and the more leisurely gondola trip to the top of the popular ski area to take in expansive views of Mt. Washington.

The Conway Scenic Railroad enjoyed a “very successful ‘weekend,” which actually started the Monday before the holiday, commented Susan Logan, Manager at the North Conway excursion train.  She stated that their ridership was up significantly from the same holiday period in 2012.  The actual weekend was “fabulous”, added a smiling Russ Seybold, owner of the CSRR.

Greg Kwasnik, Communications Manager at Loon Mountain Resort in Lincoln described their business as “strong over the long Fourth of July weekend, with total visits up more than 20 percent over the same period last year.”  Kwasnik added, “Nice weather, combined with people’s pent-up demand to get outside and recreate, contributed to that increase.  Another factor in the surge was our new Paul Bunyan’s Backyard Fun Park, which generated a good deal of interest and attracted many new visitors.”  

The Polar Caves Park in Rumney had a slow start to begin the holiday week but Friday, Saturday and Sunday saw families flocking to the glacial boulder caves.  “Over those three days, we were up 35 percent over last year,” said Rob Arey, Director of Operations.  “The weather was perfect for exploring the caves and checking out our newest cave, the Polar Pinch,” he remarked.  The park also features nature trails, waterfowl and animal exhibits, a maple sugar museum as well as other family-friendly amenities.

Story Land, located in Glen, had a very similar account of the Independence Day business tally.  Jack Mahany, Assistant General Manager of the story book-themed attraction said, “I think the Fourth being on a Thursday was a bonus.  Wednesday through Sunday, we were up over last year despite the negative (weather) forecasts.”

With summer in full-swing, the White Mountains Attractions are looking forward to more good weather and a successful season.  For detailed information about the region and the attractions, visit www.VisitWhiteMountains.com.

About the White Mountains Attractions Association

The White Mountains Attractions Association was founded in 1958 as a co-operative marketing association for the region. In 1983, it was also designated the State’s official Regional Association for the White Mountains of New Hampshire, able to assist the press and visitors with information about the region.

The Association counts among its membership the best of the area’s attractions, including Attitash Mountain Resort, Cannon Mountain, Clark’s Trading Post, Conway Scenic Railroad, the Flume Gorge, Hobo Railroad, Loon Mountain, Lost River Gorge, Mount Washington Auto Road, Mount Washington Cog Railroad, Polar Caves, Santa’s Village, Six Gun City, Story Land, Whale’s Tale Water Park and Wildcat Mountain.

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