REGION — Every year, just about this time, winter begins retreating and the first signs of spring begin appearing. Like the first crocus pushing through waning snow cover, the first churning of mud on dirt roads and driveways, the first evening chorus of spring peepers, and the welcoming of longer and warmer days, Maine Maple Sunday is a rite of spring that many look forward to each year.

Although the day is traditionally held on the fourth Sunday of March, some sugarhouses throughout the region will showcase Maine’s Official Sweetener both Saturday, March 22 and Sunday, March 23.

The 42nd annual Maine Maple Sunday is an event of the Maine Maple Producers Association. Visitors are invited to stop by licensed sugarhouses for a behind-the-scenes look at syrup production, games, activities, treats and tours.

Here is a look at some of the offerings at local and regional sugarhouses. For a full listing of Maine Maple Producers Association sugarhouses, visit mainemapleproducers.com

Aziscohos Maple Company

318 Wilson’s Mills Rd., Willson’s Mills

FMI: visit aziscohosmaple.com or call 486-7761

Saturday, March 22 and Sunday, March 23, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

The sugarhouse will be open and hopefully in operation, tours will be offered, and pancakes will be served. If the weather allows, the roadside stand will be out and loaded up with maple goods to purchase.

Long Drive Acres Maple

319 Temple Rd., Wilton

FMI: call 778-9618

Sunday, March 23, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

There will be tours available starting at the two 1200-gallon tanks that hold the sap brought in from the sugar bush. Watch the process of boiling sap into maple syrup. Fresh maple cream will be available to sample. Finished products such as maple syrup, maple cream, maple sugar, and maple flavored cotton candy will be available to purchase in the store. For greater convenience, products will be available at the end of the “Long Driveway” for curbside pickup.

Maine Mountain Maple Syrup

50 Edelheid Rd., Sandy River Plantation

FMI: email [email protected] or call 491-1612

Saturday, March 22 and Sunday, March 23, Noon to 4 p.m.

Enjoy sausage with maple syrup! Visitors are welcome to visit the sugarbush on Route 17, 3 miles south in Oquossoc.

Maple Mills LLC

163 Wilson’s Mills Rd., Lincoln Plantation

FMI: call (603)991-8267

Saturday, March 22 and Sunday, March 23, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

With 2025 production underway, we hope that Mother Nature is kind to us so that visitors can witness the full operation from sap to syrup. Our knowledgeable staff and friends will be on site to explain the process and give tours. Freshly made syrup will be available in the gift shop. Come by and see what it is all about.

Ruthie’s Sugar House

168 Cross Rd., Avon

Saturday, March 22 and Sunday, March 23, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

FMI: email [email protected] or call 860-8120

Come see the beautiful new sugarhouse and learn about equipment and sugarbush updates and expansions. Weather permitting, you will be able to see the whole process of making syrup. A variety of maple products will be available for purchase.

Votervale Farm Maple Products

783A River Rd. (Route 149), Avon

Saturday, March 22 and Sunday, March 23, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

FMI: visit votervalefarm.com or call 491-0493

Votervale Farm is a fourth-generation family-run farm producing quality maple products. We take pride in using the latest techniques while also maintaining tradition. Come see our custom wood-fire evaporator, tour our sugar house and sample our delicious syrup on ice cream or all by itself!

Stop by our store to take home maple syrup, hand-made small batch maple candies, pure maple sugar, maple seasoning mixes, or a variety of maple baked goods and treats.