Annual governor’s tree tapping tradition slated for March 13

AUGUSTA — The opening of Maine’s maple syrup season will get under way with the Governor’s Tree Tapping ceremony, an annual tradition to promote Maine maple syrup and highlight its contributions to Maine’s economy.

Several Maine maple syrup producers are expected to bring their families to join Governor Paul R. LePage in tapping a sugar maple tree on the Blaine House lawn. The event, beginning at 10 a.m., also serves as a prelude to Maine Maple Sunday, which will celebrate its 34th Anniversary March 26. Sugarhouses throughout the state will be participating in Maine Maple Sunday.

“Maine’s maple industry is growing in output and importance,” said the governor. “Since 2010, Maine maple syrup production has more than doubled (114% increase). The extended 2016 season yielded675,000 gallons, up from 315,000 gallons in 2010. During that same time period, the number of taps has increased 26.5% (going from 1.47 million to 1.86 million).”

For more information about Maine Maple Producers, go to www.mainemapleproducers.com/, and for more information about the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, visit www.maine.gov/dacf