CHESTER — Thanks to unseasonably mild temperatures, maple producers in the southern part of the state have gotten a head start on the sugaring season, so there should be plenty of New Hampshire's own liquid gold to go around during the annual Maple Weekend.

Sugar houses across the Granite State will open their doors to visitors for the 17th annual New Hampshire Maple Weekend on March 24 and 25.

More than 110 sugar producers will take part in the event, which gives regular folk a chance to see where that sweet, delicious syrup actually comes from.

“Maple Weekend is a great, long-standing tradition in New Hampshire,” said Robyn Pearl, publicist for the New Hampshire Maple Producers Association.

“People like to watch the centuries-old process taking place and to learn how something that comes from a tree ends up on your table.”

Each sugar house has different methods, uses different technology and has a unique way of celebrating Maple Weekend.

There are pancake breakfasts, petting zoos and lots of maple products to try, including maple cotton candy, maple cream and maple doughnuts.

A complete list of sugar houses, including hours of operation and any special events schedule for Maple Weekend, can be found at www.nhmapleproducers.com/mapleweekend/weekend.html.