It always seems that we get a kind of "break" from regular work schedules during the last couple of weeks each year, with everyone distracted by family and friends and celebrations.

And this upcoming weekend, there are plenty of distractions! There's no place like Lake Placid to celebrate the New Year, and there's quite a lineup of activities for families, those who enjoy watching athletes shush, slide and fly, and the adventurous visitor who wants to try it for themselves!

Here's a quick rundown of this weekend's highlighted distractions (and a bonus for those who read to the end):

FRIDAY DEC. 30: 


• Smuckers' Stars on Ice

• NYSEF 90k New Year's Ski Jump

SATURDAY DEC. 31:

• Saranac Lake First Night
  A night of entertainment packed with music, theater, storytelling, comedy, circus performers and more!

• 4th Annual Skate into the New Year Party
  Usher in the New Year at this family-friendly skating party on the speed skating oval!

• New Year's Open Sliding
  USA Luge fundraiser in which visitors and residents compete in a run, amidst live music and entertainment.

But wait! There's more! Search the entire calendar of Lake Placid events.

>>> And if you've read this far, here's a double secret bonus opportunity:

Want to win 2 tickets to Friday's Stars on Ice?
Send either a quote, a picture or a video that includes this sentence, completed:

"A perfect day in Lake Placid for me HAS to include...< add your own perfect day in Lake Placid here >..."

To enter to win, also include your name, email address, phone number and zip code, and send it to news@lakeplacid.com by midnight (Eastern time) tonight (12/28/11)!

We'll draw one name from all contributions, and contact you ASAP, then post your perfect day on Facebook, Twitter and lakeplacid.com!

Questions? Email me. :) 

Kim Rielly is the director of communications for the Lake Placid CVB