AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Gov. Paul LePage has proclaimed today Maine Apple Sunday and is encouraging families to visit an apple orchard this weekend and throughout September.

Maine has 60 apple orchards, and a listing of where they are located can be found at www.getrealmaine.com .

In his proclamation, the governor says apple farms serve as an “integral link” between urban, suburban and rural communities, and that the popularity of apple picking continues to rise.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.