'We're ready' is maple producers' rallying cry as Maine Maple Sunday approaches

A white woman raises her arms in triumph after tapping a maple tree -- a silver bucket hangs from the tree, behind it is a large white colonial house. A white man stands near the woman watching. They are both wearing coats and though the ground is bare, it's obviously cold out.

Courtesy / Office of Governor A year ago, Gov. Janet Mills tapped a maple tree on the grounds of the Blaine House in Augusta, to kick off Maine Maple Sunday. With her was Scott Dunn, president of the Maine Maple Producers Association. Two days after this picture was taken, COVID-19 shutdowns began and the event was postponed. This year, Maine Maple Sunday is scheduled for March 27-28.

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By Staff

A year after the emerging COVID-19 pandemic shut down Maine Maple Sunday, the Maine Maple Producers Association is ready for the event this year on the traditional fourth weekend in March, though with public health guidelines in place.

Maine Maple Sunday will be held at sugar houses across the state on Saturday, March 27, and Sunday, March 28. Last year 116 producers were signed up to participate, and so far, 102 are listed for this year on the MMPA website. The event attracts thousands to locations to taste maple products and see how maple sugar is produced.

"This event is critical to the success of many family businesses and producers in Maine," Scott Dunn, president of the Maine Maple Producers Association, said in a news release. This year's event will look and feel a little different, "but we're ready," he said.

"We have found creative ways to celebrate the event in different ways," Dunn said. Sugar houses are adjusting hours and purchase options, including offering curbside pick-up and online ordering and other adjustments.

He said that since each producer is unique, participants should plan ahead by checking the MMPA website, which has an interactive map and information on each participant.

The MMPA represents 250 producers, from small artisans to bulk syrup providers that serve major grocery store chains, food service distributors, retailers and international markets.

Maine is the country's third-largest maple producer, with more than 450 licensed maple farms making 575,000 gallons of syrup annually. The product generates more than $27 million and supports more than 560 full-time and part-time jobs that represent about $17.3 million in wages, according to the MMPA.

Last year, Gov. Janet Mills kicked off the event on March 10 by tapping a maple tree on the grounds of the Blaine House, the governor's residence in Augusta. Two days later, the state announced it was imposing COVID-19 restrictions, and the event was postponed. The producers association held an event in October, with about 40 producers taking part.

Dunn said that people don't have to wait for the fourth weekend in March to enjoy Maine maple products.

"Even though maple syrup is made in the spring, we want people to know it is available year-round," he said. "Maine Maple Sunday Weekend is a popular event for our industry, but we also want to remind people they can always contact their favorite sugar house any time of year to purchase syrup and other maple treats."