AUGUSTA — Gov. Paul LePage is touting the state’s maple syrup industry by tapping a maple tree on the lawn of the governor’s mansion.

LePage was joined Wednesday by Agriculture Commissioner Walt Whitcomb, maple syrup producers and legislators for the annual Blaine House ceremonial tree tapping.

The event serves as a prelude to Maine Maple Sunday, which will celebrate its 30th anniversary on March 24. On that day, scores of sugarhouses open their doors to allow the public to view the syrup-making process and taste a few samples.

Maine last year produced 360,000 gallons of syrup, tying it with New York as the No. 2 syrup-producing state. Vermont is the top U.S. syrup producer.