AROOSTOOK COUNTY — This Sunday, March 26, Maine will celebrate its 34th annual Maine Maple Sunday, and local sugar producers invite the public to visit their operations throughout the weekend.
Participating sugarhouses will feature freshly made maple syrup, confections and other treats, along with syrup making demonstrations, sugarbush tours and other family activities.
The following are among the local sugarhouses slated to participate, as listed on mainemapleproducers.com:
Northwoods Nectar LLC, 1426 Sly Brook Rd., Eagle Lake. Saturday, March 25, and Sunday, March 26. For more information: email northwoodsnectar@yahoo.com or call 231-2265 or 444-3488.
Rural Pride, 181 Sealander Rd., Woodland. Saturday, March 25, and Sunday, March 26, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. FMI: erthomas@localnet.com or call 896-3137.
Emma’s Maine, 95 Parkhurst Siding Rd., Presque Isle. Call, text or email: emmasmaine@gmail.com or 551-3573.
The Maple Moose, 28 Bowers Rd., Easton. Saturday, March 25, and Sunday, March 26, 12-4 p.m. FMI: maplemoose@atimaine.net or call 488-6824.
Bradbury Maple Farms, 202 Bootfoot Rd., Bridgewater. Email info@bradburymaple.com, or call 551-5227 or 429-8306.
Spring Break Maple and Honey, 3315 U.S. Rt. 2, Smyrna Mills. Saturday, March 25, and Sunday, March 26, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Email info@mainemapleandhoney.com or call 757-7373.
Sunny Crest Maple Farm, 334 Main St., Reed. Email pcushman@baskco@gmail.com or call 456-7520.
Last week, Governor Paul R. LePage highlighted maple season on the Blaine House lawn with an annual tradition: the tapping of a maple tree. In a press release, the governor highlighted the economic contributions of Maine’s maple industry and cited statistics showing its dramatic growth since 2010.
“Maine’s maple industry is growing in output and importance,” said LePage. “Since 2010, Maine maple syrup production has more than doubled (a 114 percent increase). The extended 2016 season yielded 675,000 gallons, up from 315,000 gallons in 2010. During that same time period, the number of taps has increased 26.5 percent (going from 1.47 million to 1.86 million). Maine’s maple industry contributes an estimated $48.7 million to the Maine economy, including a direct contribution of $27.7 million and multiplier effects.”
Maine Maple Sunday is traditionally held on the fourth Sunday in March. Commissioner Walt Whitcomb of the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry encouraged people to visit local sugarhouses this weekend.
“Maine Maple Sunday is a wonderful opportunity to get outdoors and celebrate the arrival of spring,” said Whitcomb. “We’re hearing that the maple sap has exceptionally high sugar content this year. Bring your family and find out for yourself.”
Visit Maine Maple Producers online at www.mainemapleproducers.com.
