It's time for the annual maple events in Thurman New York, and you're invited. Each weekend the free tours begin at 10 a.m., but Valley Road Maple Farm sells a pancake breakfast beginning at 9am and continues until1pm. The annual Maple Sugar Party (first Saturday only) is an all-you-can-eat dinner with live music to benefit charity.

Pile the family and friends into your car and enjoy tours of sugarhouses, demonstrations, sampling, shopping and good old small town fun. (Tip: Gas up before going to Thurman, as there are no pumps in town.)

Saturday, Sunday, March 20th - 21st
   * New York State Maple Weekend in Thurman, 10 - 4
Saturday, Sunday, March 27th - 28th
   * New York State Maple Weekend in Thurman, 10 - 4

Pick up a map in the area, see it online here,  ask to have one emailed at AdkGoldMaple@aol.com, or phone 518-623-9718. Once in Thurman (just 6 miles from Northway exit 23, via route 418 and Athol Road), follow signs to tour sites.

Wonderful family fun! See sap collected and boiled and learn about the equipment and processes. There will be maple goods galore to sample and shop for, and additional highlights at some stops:

Martin's Lumber ~ Special sawing of maple lumber, maple slabs with beautiful grain. Don't miss Lucyann's stained glass stepping stones and paper bead jewelry, and Jackie's quilted items.

Adirondack Gold Maple Farm ~ Maple processes and products. Adirondack Suds and Scents - homemade soaps and lotions, debuting maple soap! Soap-making demonstration video.

Toad Hill Maple Farm ~ The Galusha family welcomes you to a second-generation sugar operation, the largest in Warren County. See sugarbushes and high tech equipment.

Valley Road Maple Farm ~ Pancake breakfasts sold, beginning at 9 a.m. Evaporating demos. Maple sales. See prizewinning candies. Two state fairs can't be wrong!