Limelight

Gile’s Family Farm boils syrup (nearly 350 gallons so far) as Maine Maple Sunday approaches

Photo Credit: Gile’s Family Farm Facebook page

Tap into Tradition: Maine’s Sweetest Celebration

By Brian Boisvert

With the arrival of spring, Maine welcomes its annual Maple Sunday Weekend, March 22 and 23. For 42 years, this beloved tradition has opened the doors of Maine’s sugarhouses, inviting everyone to witness the magic of maple syrup production and savor delectable maple creations.

Maine Maple Sunday began in 1983 as a single-day event to promote local syrup producers. Over the years, it has evolved into a weekend-long celebration, attracting visitors from all over the state and beyond. The event not only highlights the labor-intensive process of maple syrup production but also showcases Maine’s sugaring traditions.

Sanford and the immediate surrounding area offer a diverse array of activities during the weekend. Here are some of the top destinations to consider:

Brookridge Boilers, Alfred: Here you will find free syrup samples and handmade French-Canadian favorites such as tire d’érable (a maple taffy also known as “sugar on snow”) and sucre à la crème (maple fudge). They also have maple milk from BrookRidge Organic Dairy Farm and locally made maple whoopie pies. Watch syrup-making demonstrations or visit their dairy goats!

Crooked Brook Farm, Wells: This cut-your-own Christmas tree farm has recently converted its sawmill into a sugarhouse, offering a unique blend of maple syrup production and festive atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy syrup samples, baked treats and candy, and activities like cornhole games and walks through the farm’s thousands of trees. With limited seating available, “on-the-go”-type breakfast options are on the menu.

Gile’s Family Farm, Alfred: A new post-and-beam sugarhouse features not only delicious syrup but also a variety of maple products, including homemade maple apple crisp, maple cider donuts, maple peanuts, maple butter, and maple cotton candy. If you’re interested in trying your hand at making your own syrup, they also sell hobby sugaring supplies.

Michaud Family Farm, Lyman: Enjoy a pancake breakfast, take a tour of the sugar shack, and take home some homemade treats, including syrup, candy, maple butter, fudge and whoopie pies. Kids are invited to participate in making snow taffy, and the barn is open for people to pet the animals.

Packy’s Sugar House, Sanford: Maple products for sale include syrup, whoopie pies, snicker doodles, nuts and cotton candy. They will also have maple needhams (potato candy) and maple fudge.

This is just a sampling of all the nearby fun. Visitors can also enjoy pancake breakfasts at Newfield Fire & Rescue (West Newfield) or Barn Lights (Acton), indulge in sweet treats at Thurston & Peters Sugarhouse or Hilltop Boilers (both in Newfield), or sample the unique offerings at the Harris Turkey Farm food trailer (Newfield), with a menu including maple slushies, maple pecan cheesecake, turkey pot pie, smoked turkey mac and cheese, turkey pesto paninis, and white bean turkey chili.

While Southern Maine offers a wealth of maple experiences, the entire state is filled with hidden gems. For those looking to explore further, the Maine Maple Producers Association provides a detailed map and list of participating sugarhouses, including their hours and activities at mainemapleproducers.com.

Maine Maple Sunday Weekend is more than just a celebration of maple syrup; it’s a testament to the state’s rich agricultural heritage and community spirit. Whether you’re a long-time resident or just visiting, this event offers something for everyone—delicious local foods, educational tours, and a chance to connect with nature and the people who make Maine’s maple syrup industry thrive. Mark your calendars and get ready to indulge in the sweetest weekend of the year!