The Big E Fair Comes to West Springfield, Mass., Sept. 18-Oct. 4

Article and photo by Eric H.

The Big E (Eastern States Exposition) is sure to offer you more than a "fair time" with its entertaining and educational late summer and fall fair from Sept. 18-Oct. 4 at the Eastern States Exposition Fairgrounds in West Springfield, Mass.

Like a county fair on steroids, the Big E is best experienced during a full day visit with its overwhelmingly enjoyable mix of amusement rides, circuses, parades, animal exhibitions, agricultural displays, comfort food vendors, musical entertainment, horse shows, cooking contests, and leather-lunged, fast-talking carnival barkers selling their merchandise in the finest infomercial style.

Our favorite exhibition is the replicas of the six New England original statehouses: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont. Inside, you'll find a delightful vendor presentation of educational, travel and tourism information relative to each state. Even better: the local food selections, ranging from wild Maine blueberry pie to Vermont cheddar cheese.

The sea lion splash offers another fun attraction with these incredibly intelligent animals hamming it up with the audience with a number of impressive water-related stunts.

Major league musical entertainment this year includes Charice, Sugarland, Foghat and Boyz 11 Men. Check the Big E entertainment page for times, and other entertainers scheduled to perform.

The food might put some weight on you, so the strategy is to try your best to be selective. That's nearly impossible, however. Delicious barbecued chicken, gyros plates, mini-donuts, fried dough, soft serve ice cream and the famous Big E cream puff -- a creamy custard topped with rich, decadent chocolate -- are certainly sure to pique your taste buds

We strongly recommend checking out The 2009 Big E schedule as we've only hit the tip of the iceberg here, in regards to the number of events and attractions. Enjoy!

The Big E
Eastern States Exposition
1305 Memorial Avenue (Rte. 147)
West Springfield, MA 01089
Phone: (413) 737-2443
Fax: (413) 787-0127
Info Line: (413) 205-5115


'