Vt., N.H. maple producers set open houses on March 19, 20

POMFRET, Vt. – Maple producers are hoping for a warming trend this week as they scurry to get the rest of their taps and tubes in place in time to welcome visitors.

Sugarhouses in New Hampshire and Vermont are preparing to open their doors to the public on March 19 and 20.

“We’re about 85 percent tapped. I wish we’d done it earlier during that warm snap, but we’re getting it done now,” said Sugarbush Farm owner Betsy Luce in Pomfret, Vt.

“What we need is three super days. We can have lots of slow days, but what we really need is those two or three days when we get a lot of sap,” she said.

During the fourth annual open house weekend, visitors will be able to see maple syrup being made and sap being gathered at participating farms.

More than 60 Vermont sugarhouses and more than 50 in New Hampshire will welcome visitors during the two-day event. New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch kicked off the season last week when he tapped the state’s ceremonial tree.

Vermont will conduct a similar event on March 18 when Gov. Jim Douglas participates in the 23rd Annual Governor’s Tree Tapping ceremony.

Maine maple producers traditionally host Maine Maple Sunday on the fourth Sunday in March, which is March 27 this year.