GEORGETOWN — Maple’s becoming more popular than ever, and with this year’s syrup sweeter than ever, Maple Weekend in Madison County, which will be held over the weekends of both March 18-19 and March 25-26, is shaping up to be special.

Pete Walrod oversees Many Maple Sugar House in Georgetown and has been tapping trees for 58 years. Walrod was happy to say that the sugar house made the most syrup they’ve ever made this February.

“It’s been a good season so far, and we’ve made some of the best syrup we’ve ever tasted. We’re looking forward to sharing it, and we’ll have samples of all of our products,” Walrod said. “And we’ll have tours available ... everything from the tree to the table.” 

With the weather cooperating, many sugarmakers will be boiling sap for Maple Weekend and hope to have all sorts of maple products ready for visitors. “Maple cream, maple cotton candy, and we even do maple ice cream,” Walrod said.

Having done this for so long, Walrod said Madison County’s maple trees are some of the healthiest in the state.

“I’ve been told by people in the lumber industry that some of the nicest timber in the world comes out of Northern Chenango and Southern Madison County … and I think those trees contribute to making a truly mellow but rich maple flavored product. Everyone, no matter where they’re from, takes pride in their maple, but I think ours is unique.”

“Producing a crop and having revenue from the woods without changing it is a way to enjoy your property, regardless of scale,” he said. “We’re boiling off around 9,000 taps so far.”

“This is some of the sweetest sap coming out of the tree I’ve ever seen,” he said. “The sugar content is higher in the sap we’ve ever tested. It’s making an excellent product.”

Walrod invites everyone to Many Maple. “We’ve seen people come from all over the county and farther,” Walrod said. “Oneida, New Hartford, Rome. And I think we’ll be really busy for Maple Weekend.” For information or to find local sugarmakers, visit mapleweekend.nysmaple.com