Concord, N.H. – March 19, 2014 – Maple sugaring is a tradition in New Hampshire. This weekend (March 22 – 23) marks the celebratory Maple Weekend across the Granite State. Maple producers are opening their sugar house doors to the public to see how nature’s greatest sweetener is made.

Although the season is about three-weeks behind, maple producers expect to have sap to boil. Farm Bureau member and maple producer Hank Peterson of Londonderry, is looking forward to Maple Weekend. Peterson reports that his crop is about half of what it usually is this time of year but is still optimist. “The weather has been tough this season,” noted Peterson. “It has been getting cold at night but not warming up much during the day, which isn’t the best for making the sap run. I’m hoping for a good day today and tomorrow with the forecast in the 40s. With the warmer weather, I’ll have enough sap to boil and syrup for sale during Maple Weekend.”

The New Hampshire Farm Bureau encourages visitors and residents alike to enjoy the season at a local sugar house. Visit the New Hampshire Maple Producers Association website to find a producer near you.