The 15th annual Maple Weekend, organized by the Potter-Tioga Maple Producers Association, will take place March 16 and 17.
For those interested, this weekend offers the chance to visit 17 different maple producers spread throughout Potter and Tioga counties, viewing different aspects and unique approaches to the methods of maple sap gathering and processing.
Both Saturday and Sunday, each location will open its doors from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., providing visitors with unique insight into the life of those who specialize in maple syrup production.
Association President Dale Miller noted that the tour has added a couple of new locations this year. In addition, the weather is on their side.
“The last couple of years, the weather has been iffy if we will have sap, but the long range forecast says it will be an excellent weekend for those who have sap to make the syrup,” Miller said.
For visitors who come back each year, there are some activities that seem to draw crowds.
“One of the biggest draws is the pancake breakfast served on the farm; there are at least three locations on the tour that serve pancakes with fresh maple syrup,” Miller explained. “Also, people like to see the evaporators in operation and learn a little bit about the process of making maple syrup.”
With each stop on the map, visitors can learn about different aspects of maple products. At some farms, there are tree tapping and boiling demos (Brydonson Farm in Coudersport, for example). Meanwhile, at others, modern facilities, complete with osmosis, can be toured (visit Wending Creek Farms, also in Coudersport, for this experience). A trip to Rathbun & Weber Maple and Honey Products in Shinglehouse will allow visitors to see boiling demos and reverse osmosis equipment in use. These are only three of many stops on the tour, and each offers a unique perspective on maple syrup production — and a unique sample for those who stop by. When the weekend is over, the fun has blended in with education.
“Most people leave with a better understanding, with more respect for the work that goes into it. They go into our sugar house, see what maple sap looks like and how much it takes to create syrup,” Miller said. “(After they visit) Most people seem to have a much greater respect for what goes into the making of maple syrup.”
Miller noted that, similar to strawberry festivals or other harvest or produce-themed events, The Maple Weekend is a chance to highlight the first crop of the year. This only happens once a year, and now is the time to see exactly what goes into providing delicious maple syrup for breakfasts later on. Plus, it’s a great chance to socialize after long, cold months of minimal adventuring.
“The winter has been long and cold, and we have had lots of snow. It’s a good time to get out and see what is happening,” Miller noted.
According to the Maple Weekend website, visitors can find products that range from cotton candy and milkshakes featuring maple to maple salad dressing, barbeque sauce and homemade cookies.
To see more about the event or the products available — or to download the brochure with map and directions to each producer’s location — visit www.pamaple.com.
