Instead of a groundhog, Vermonters depend on the sap flow from trees to signal winter's end. The state's annual sugaring season typically lasts about four to six weeks, reliant on a combination of freezing temperatures at night and warmer weather during the day, which "will build up pressure within the trees causing the sap to flow from the tap holes," according to the Vermont Maple Sugar Makers' Association. Maple Open House Weekend, once described by the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets as "a chance for Vermont sugar makers to do their victory dance while opening the doors of their sugarhouses for visitors," is cancelled this year due to COVID.