Across Upstate New York and much of the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec, this is Maple Week.
The maple producers this year are dealing with new rules establishing a uniform grading system based on color. Maple Glen Sugar owner Paul Lesesske says it's a good thing.
"This way, everybody's all uniform. You won't be able to go to Canada, Vermont and purchase basically something with a different name," Lesesske said.
"Everybody's going to be all uniform, now. I think in the long run, it'll definitely be a good change."
That does away with a system where New Yorkers called it "light amber" and Vermont producers called it "fancy."
Lesesske's Gowanda maple forest offers horse-drawn wagon rides, hot dogs boiled in maple sap and a chance to watch the sap turned into syrup.
He says the local fire hall is offering pancake breakfasts drenched in maple syrup. Lots of other maple syrup producers are offering similar chances to try that end-of-winter product.
