The fourth Sunday of March means one thing in Maine:  Maine Maple Sunday. While winter may seem to be holding on, Maine’s maple trees are hard at work preparing for spring. Sap is running and maple producers are tapping trees and making all the maple syrup treats Mainers love to enjoy on Sunday, March 24.

“Our talented maple producers have some excellent family fun planned this year,” said Scott Dunn, vice president of the Maine Maple Producers Association (MMPA). “There will be tapping demonstrations, maple-inspired treats, hayrides, sledding and so much more — all across the state — so everyone can participate.”

There will be more than 60 sugarhouses offering Maine Maple Sunday activities from Aroostook to York County. Some sugar shacks have events on Saturday and Sunday. The MMPA website has a detailed map with all the participating maple producers and their events.

Maine Maple Sunday is a great way to shake off winter’s doldrums with a hot pancake breakfast smothered in nature’s maple syrup. Some of this year’s event highlights include the Axe Women Loggers performing at Hilltop Boilers in Newfield and Velvet Hollow Sugar Works’ gluten-free breakfast.

MMPA has about 180 members and Maine Maple Sunday is a time to support local businesses while having a fun-filled day with friends and family.

For more information, visit mainemapleproducers.com.