The 2013 maple season is underway for local Andover area sugarhouses. Local sugarmakers as well as other producers around the state have begun the annual ritual of converting the clear sap into the liquid gold we all love: maple syrup.

Governor Maggie Hassan has declared Saturday, March 23, and Sunday, March 24, as New Hampshire Maple Weekend. Maple Weekend is an annual open house held by the maple producers of the state to showcase their amber-colored liquid jewel and the products made from it.

Nearly 100 sugar houses – including Tucker Mountain Maple at 224 Tucker Mountain Road in Andover and Wychwood Farm, 42 Shaw Hill Road in Andover – will be offering samples of syrup, maple products, and refreshments.

Wychwood Farm will be open from 9 AM to 5 PM on both Saturday and Sunday, March 23 and 24, for Maple Weekend. Both days, Don and Lorraine Cline will be offering refreshments and, at 1 PM each day, there will be a snowshoe tour or hike (depending upon snow cover) of the farm’s sugarbush.

Tucker Mountain Maple (TMM) will be open from 9 AM to 3 PM on Saturday and will be offering coffee and donuts to the early visitors. In addition, Tucker Mountain Maple will be open from 10 AM to 3 PM on Sunday with a complimentary cookout starting at noon. Follow TMM on Facebook for details on when they’ll be boiling during other times in March.

Come join the fun at a local sugar house. Producers will be happy to discuss with you how sap is turned into syrup. Experience the centuries-old craft, and taste why pure New Hampshire maple syrup has long been a delicious harbinger of spring.

Hours and participating locations can be found at NHMapleProducers.com or call 225-3757 for information.