The Big E
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- For other uses, see Big E.
The Big E, also known as The Eastern States Exposition, is billed as "New England's Great State Fair". It is the 6th largest agricultural fair in the United States, and the largest in the northeastern portion of the country.
The Big E takes place every autumn in West Springfield, Massachusetts. In 2005, it ran from Friday, September 16 through Sunday, October 2. In 2006, it will run from Friday, September 15 through Sunday, October 1. It is too late in the year to affect attendance at the nearby Six Flags New England in Agawam.
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[edit] History
The first Eastern States Exposition occurred in 1917. It was originally conceived by Joshua L. Brooks as a way to help bolster the region's farming industry. The Exposition featured displays of new innovations in the industry, as well as holding contests designed to encourage farmers to better themselves through competition.
Since the first Exposition, only World War I and World War II have interrupted the annual tradition. The fair now features thousands of games, rides, shows, attractions, vendors, and exhibits, while still maintaining its roots as an agricultural and farming attraction.
[edit] State Buildings
One of the most interesting attractions at the Big E is the Avenue of the States. The avenue contains full-scale replicas of the original statehouses of each of the New England states (New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, and Rhode Island). Much like a national embassy, the buildings and the land on which they sit are actually owned by the respective states. For instance, as an individual walks onto the Vermont building's property, he or she is entering property owned by the state of Vermont. [1]
The State Buildings feature exhibits and vendors which best exemplify the heritage, food and tradition of each state. The Avenue of the States is consistently one of the most popular attractions of the fair each year.
[edit] Attractions
In addition to the Avenue of the States, The Big E features several different attractions. Among those attractions are:
- Storrowton Village, where fairgoers can experience New England life from the 19th century.
- The Midway, home to carnival rides and games (The Midway is operated by Conklin Shows)
- The Better Living Center, a large collection of vendors with a common theme of improving every day life
- The Big E Super Circus
- The Big E Coliseum, featuring daily horse shows
- The Mallary Complex, which houses livestock of several different varieties
- Mardi Gras Parade
- The Court of Honor Stage and Comcast Arena Stage
- Past performers include:
- Vendors and Eateries located throughout the fair (It is famous for its cream puffs.)
- Massachusetts Twisters, American Indoor Soccer League.
In recent years the Big E has endeavored to introduce its own signature foods. This began in 2002 when the Big E introduced its signature cream puffs, which it intended to be the signature dessert of the fair. The Big E features the cream puffs in some of its advertising; additionally the cream puffs have been featured on local and national TV shows, including Live with Regis and Kelly. This was followed by the introduction in 2004 of "The Big (Chocolate) Eclairs" and in 2006 of Big E Chocolate Chip Cookies, made with Ghirardelli chocolate.
[edit] Statistics
The Big E is open every year for 2 weeks and 3 weekends. Currently, the fair opens the second Friday after Labor Day and runs a total of seventeen days, through the third following Sunday. Each year, the fair regularly brings in over one million fairgoers.
