AUGUSTA - This weekend Maine will celebrate its 34th annual Maine Maple Sunday on March 26, 2017. The annual event is held every fourth Sunday of March. Participating sugarhouses will be open for visitors to enjoy freshly made maple syrup and candy, demonstrations of syrup production, sugarbush tours and a variety of other family activities.

Last week, Gov. Paul R. LePage highlighted maple tapping season with Maine maple producers on the Blaine House lawn by following an annual tradition: the tapping of a maple tree. The Governor highlighted the economic contributions of Maine's maple industry and new 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 (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. The Maine maple industry is working hard to realize its potential for creating more jobs, business opportunities and locally-produced products valued by consumers."

State Department of Agriculture Commissioner Walt Whitcomb 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."

Maine Maple Statistics:

- 545,000 gallons were produced last year, worth $17.4 million
- Maine's industry has an annual statewide economic contribution, including multiplier effects, of an estimated $48.7 million in output, 805 full-and part-time jobs, and $25.1 million in labor income
- Maine has the third largest syrup industry in the U.S.
- Maine has the largest maple producing county in the country: Somerset County
- Maine has around 1.4 million taps

Sugarhouses in Knox, Waldo and Lincoln counties open to the public on Maine Maple Sunday:

• Back Ridge Sugar House - 107 Boston Road, Winterport
• Beaver Hill Plantation - 130 Sibley Road, Freedom
• Black Owl Maple Products - 21 Woodchuck Way, Jefferson
• Blueberry Fields B&B - 673 Razorville Road, Washington
• Eureka Farms - 111 Sunken Bridge Road, Winterport
• Goranson Farm - 250 River Road, Dresden
• Kinney’s Sugarhouse - 200 Abbott Road, Knox
• Over the Moon Maple Syrup - 107 Port Clyde Road, Tenants Harbor
• Riley Sandbox Sugar (Riley School) - 73 Warrenton Road, Rockport
• Simmons and Daughters Maple Syrup - 261 Weymonth Road, Montville
• Sparky’s Honey and Maple - 130 High Street, Hope
• Tim’s Sugarshack - 23 Grand Army Road (Route 126), Whitefield

Some sugarhouses will hold events on both Saturday and Sunday.

For a list and map of participating sugarhouses, visit the Maine Maple Producers website: mainemapleproducers.com.

For more information about the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, visit maine.gov/dacf.

Related links:

• Riley School Open to the Public for Maple Syrup Sunday
• Spend Maple Sugar Sunday at Camden-Rockport Historical Society's Conway House
• Camden-based Projects, Inc. helps Passamaquoddy Indian Tribe secure $1.9 million grant for syrup venture
• Midcoast sugarhouses prepping for Maine Maple Sunday