This weekend, sugar houses across the state are opening their doors to the public for Maine Maple Sunday, an annual tradition now in its 35th year. 

During Maple Sunday, which some farms observe on Saturday, maple producers offer tours of their operations. Some also have farm and barn tours. Others have breakfasts and some have maple confections and other products for sale. 

Agriculture Commissioner Walt Whitman in a written statement encouraged Maine residents to visit local sugarhouses this weekend. 

“Maine Maple Sunday is a wonderful opportunity to get outdoors and celebrate the arrival of spring,” he said. “We’re hearing that the recent cold weather may extend this year’s season further into spring, making for a longer maple season.” 

Governor Paul LePage said in a written statement that in 2017, Maine produced 
709,000 gallons  or 7.8 million pounds of syrup, up 5 percent  from the year before.

“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,” said LePage. “The Maine maple industry generates jobs, business opportunities and locally-produced products valued by consumers.”

York County businesses hosting events on Maine Maple Sunday include:

• Buxton: Dunn Family Maple, 419 Chicopee Road. Open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. 
• Cornish: Pingree Maple Products, 90 High Road. Open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. 
• Dayton: Cole’s Family Farm, 588 River Road. Open 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday.
• Dayton: Harris Farm, 280 Buzzell Road. Open 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. 
• Lebanon: Maple Moon Farm, 289 Chick Road. Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. 
• Limerick Plantation: Morin’s Maple Syrup, 45 Morin Road. Open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. 
• Limington: Hidden Roots Maple Farm, 28 Tufts Road. Open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
• Lyman: Brookridge Boilers, Route 111. Open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.
• Lyman: Triple C Farm and Boilers, 1 Brock Road. Open 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. 
• Newfield: Hilltop Boilers, 157 Elm St. Open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. 
• Newfield: Maple Hill Sugarhouse, 93 Hicks Road. Open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
• Wells: Chase Farm, 1488 North Berwick Road. Open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
• West Newfield: Thurston and Peters Sugarhouse, 299 Bond Spring Road. Open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. 

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or [email protected].