‘Maple Producers Week’ Declared; Tours On Tap Next Weekend

Potter County joined the Pennsylvania General Assembly in declaring March 21-27 as “Maple Producers Week” during a brief ceremony Friday at the courthouse square. Commissioners Doug Morley (left) and Paul Heimel (right) joined State Representative Martin Causer’s district aide, Suzan Paisley, for an actual tree tapping to emphasize the availability of sap throughout the county and the importance and potential of the maple products industry. The Potter-Tioga Maple Producers Association was represented by Larry Hamilton, second from right, coming off another award-winning showing by Hamilton’s Maple Products at the State Farm Show.

On Saturday and Sunday, March 26-27, the association will host its popular Maple Weekend from 10 am to 4 pm each day. More than a dozen area maple syrup producers are opening their doors to the public. Goal is to promote the potential of maple syruping in the region and to increase public awareness of the industry. Visitors to the farms will be able to witness tree-tapping and production of maple syrup, maple sugar and other products. Operators will describe the production process and answer questions. Potter County operations on the tour include:

• Brydonson Farm, 592 N. Ayers Hill Road, Coudersport. From Rt. 6 east of Coudersport, turn right onto Rt. 872 South. About two miles out Rt. 872, turn left on Ayers Hill Road. Stay on paved road for four miles. Phone: (814) 274- 9680.
• Sons of Dunn Family Farm, 1606 North Ayers Hill Road, Coudersport. From Rt. 6 east of Coudersport, turn right onto Rt. 872 South. About two miles out Rt. 872, turn left on Ayers Hill Road. Stay on paved road. Phone (814) 274-7247.
• Rathbun Farms, Pinneo Hill Road, Shinglehouse. At Rt. 44 in Millport, turn onto Eleven Mile Road. Drive five miles to Crystal and turn right on Pinneo Hill Road. Sugar house is on the left. Phone (814) 698-2421.
• Charles Nelson and Sons, 214 Grover Hollow Road, Genesee. From Rt. 49 in Mills, turn onto Rt. 1010 (Genesee/Mills Road). Drive 6.5 miles, then turn left onto Hillcrest Road. Take right on Grover Hollow Road. First building on right. Phone (814) 848-7950.
• Hamilton’s Maple Products, 19 Bunnell Road, Ulysses. From Rt. 49 East in Ulysses, turn left onto Jackson Road (SR 1012), then turn right onto Gee Hill Road. Follow sign at intersection of Gee Hill Road and Bunnell Road. Phone (814) 848-9853.
• Sticky Bucket Maple, 1145 Parker Hill Road (Brian and Wanda Warwick), Sabinsville. Phone 814-628-2230.