A 'sweet' weekend arrives in Potter County

Bert Ianson, who helps out at his parents' Brydonson Farms, was eager to discuss maple syruping particulars during the 2006 Maple Festival in Coudersport. He's shown here with Michelle Bright.

A dozen area maple syrup producers are opening their doors to the public Saturday and Sunday during the third annual "Maple Weekend."

Among the more visible good will ambassadors for the local maple producers is Bryan Ianson, a retired postmaster whose Brydonson Farm, on Ayers Hill Road between Coudersport and Austin, is one of the region's showcase operations.

From the same property that was settled by one of Potter County's pioneer families in the early 1800s, Ianson collects thousands of gallons of sap and boils it down for wholesale and retail sales.

At times, he gets help from his grandchildren, who represent the seventh generation of Ianson syrupers.

Best in the state

Another proud producer is Charles Nelson of Genesee, whose product was judged "Best of Show" at the State Farm Show this year. That's the same honor Larry Hamilton of Ulysses earned at three shows, including the 2006 event.

Small operators still use the traditional tap and bucket system. Most larger producers long ago converted to a tape and hose collection system, with the sap running into huge storage tanks. Photos courtesy of University of Cincinnati Clermont

Like other sugarbush operators, Nelson said he is hoping for a string of warm days and cold nights to get the sap flowing.

"The cold February was a season-saver," Nelson said.

Environmental factors have Nelson concerned about the industry's future.

"The global warming problem may affect production in the long run, but acid rain will affect the health of the maple trees more than a warming trend," he said. "Insect damage can also be a big health factor at times. All of these things combine to cause stress on the maples."

All of the producers agree that the biggest selling point of this region's maple syrup is its sweet taste, which tends to be habit-forming.

"Many people say that the flavor of syrup from this area is the finest in the world," Nelson said.

He called on area retailers to sell locally produced maple syrup and called on restaurant owners to support the industry, as well.

"Few of our restaurants offer pure maple syrup on their menus right here in maple country," Nelson pointed out.

John Rigas, too Speaking of sugarbushes, what has Coudersport's former cable television entrepreneur John Rigas been up to recently?

This time of year, he can often be found at the sugar shack of his Wending Creek Farms. Rigas's crew annually taps upwards of 7,000 maples on property north of Coudersport, boiling the sap in a state-of-the-art evaporator and selling it commercially.

A new sugarbush has been added to the tour on Fox Hill Road near Ulysses, where Ross and Claudia Huntzinger have opened Sappy's Sugar Shack.

"We started out last year with only 50 gallons of syrup, using buckets, and decided we really enjoyed it," Ross explained. "So, this year, we bought a new and larger evaporator and going all out and putting out tubing. We are learning every day."

Visitors to the 12 farms will be able to witness production of maple syrup, maple sugar and other products. Most of the operators have been making syrup for a decade or longer and will be able to describe the production process and answer questions.

"The tour is a great opportunity for people to see what maple syruping is all about," Ianson said. "This is wonderful product that we should all be very proud of."

Two days of tours

The Potter/Tioga Maple Producer Assn., formed in 1963, is sponsoring this weekend's tour. Many of the same syrup producers will also be participating in Coudersport's 41st annual Maple Festival scheduled for May 4-5.

Potter County producers open for tours between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday are:

- 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.

- Wending Creek Farms, 1079 Baker Creek Road, Coudersport. Take Rt. 49 east out of Coudersport. Turn left on Baker Creek Road. Look for sugar shack and boiling operation. Phone (814) 274- 9289.

- 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 M a p l e 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) 848-7997.

- Rathbun Farms, Pinneo Hill Road, Shinglehouse. At Rt. 44 in Millport, turn onto Eleven Mill Road. Drive five miles to Crystal and turn right on Pinneo Hill Road. Sugar house is on the left. Phone (814) 698-2421.

- Sappy's Sugar Shack, 2426 Fox Hill Road, Ulysses. From Rt. 6, take Rt. 449 north for 3.8 miles to Brookland. Bear right on Fox Hill Road (Rt. 1001) for 2.5 miles to intersection of Fox Hill and Emmel roads. Sugar shack is on left. Phone (814) 848-9760.