Governor Janet Mills and Maine Maple Producers Association President Alan Greene continued an annual tradition, as they tapped the Blaine House maple tree on March 3, just weeks ahead of Maine Maple Sunday® Weekend.
Maine Maple Sunday® Weekend, the first event of its kind in the nation, is in its 42nd year, and is celebrated on the fourth weekend every March. The 2025 edition of Maine Maple Sunday® Weekend will be held March 22 and 23 at more than 100 sugarhouses statewide. Some sugarhouses will be open both days, while others may be open for one day. Be sure to visit and take in all the sights and smells of making maple syrup in Maine.
You can find a list of participating Maine Maple Sunday® Weekend sugarhouses by visiting the Events page on the Maine Maple Producers Association website at mainemapleproducers.com. Among the sugarhouses open this year will be several Real Maine members.
A proclamation issued by Governor Mills and read at the annual tapping highlighted facts about Maine’s maple industry – like how it generates $55 million in economic activity and supports more than 800 full- and part-time jobs across the state. Maine is the third-largest producer of maple syrup in the country and produces more than 575,000 gallons of maple syrup each year.
“Maine produces the finest maple syrup in the world – better than anything you can find in New England, North America, or any other place on earth,” said Governor Mills. “I encourage all Maine people to make plans to visit some of Maine’s great sugarhouses on Maine Maple Sunday weekend, this March 22 and 23.”
Before the ceremonial tapping, Governor Mills read a special proclamation in honor of long-time MMPA President Lyle Merrifield, who passed away last September. Merrifield’s family was at the event to receive the proclamation. During his time leading Maine’s maple producers, Merrifield became a fixture at the annual Blaine House celebration.
Hilltop Boilers, who received first place at the MMPA’s annual syrup contest, presented Governor Mills with some maple products.
There are many ways and places to buy pure Maine maple syrup and maple products throughout the year. Real Maine members are a great place to start your search – go to www.RealMaine.com. You can find Maine maple products at sugarhouses, farm stands, local grocery stores, and through Maine-based online retailers. Be sure to look for the Maine pure maple syrup “Official Sweetener of Maine” logo.
