To describe "The Big E" or "The Eastern States Exposition", September 14-30, you 'could' say that it's the sixth largest agricultural fair in the country. Or you could describe it the way people in this area know it as...as 'New England's Great State fair'. All six of the New England states: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont would no doubt agree. Especially since each of those states is prominently represented at the 'The Big E' every year. (All of the photos in this post were taken from 'The Big E' site on Facebook)
People in our area get all excited as soon as the date for 'The Big E's arrival is announced. In fact, 'The Big E' van has been building people's expectations...
...and we've had commercials like crazy on t.v. for the longest time now!...People in the area are deciding which days they're gonna go...drooling over what foods are gonna be there this year...and anticipating what performers are gonna grace the Comcast Arena Stage for the 17 days! Big name bands and musicians come every year!
Admission to the fair is included with the purchase of a concert ticket, as long as it's purchased before the date of the show. There's three ticketed shows, and there's a number of free shows, with seating on a 'first-come, first-serve' basis.
With Billy Currington...
...Rodney Atkins...
...and Jeff Dunham on the schedule this year...
I can almost hear the 6,000 people screaming already! LOL
The Court of Honor Stage, located right in the heart of the fairgrounds, also has 'free' concerts that you can see just by passing by the stage! You can hear the music from a distance, while you're walking around taking in some of the sights, or eating, or you can just plop yourself down on one of the many benches that surround the stage! :-)
Speaking of eating.......YUM! The food!... food sellers are usually throughout the main vendor areas and around the perimeter of the fairgrounds. And you can smell it before you see it! :-) ...Foods representing New England cuisine, and fried dough and corn dogs. And signature 'Big E' food, like the 'Big E' cream puffs, The Big (Chocolate) Eclairs, Big E Chocolate Chip Cookies made with Ghirardelli chocolate, and the "Craz-E Burger", which is a bacon cheeseburger on a glazed donut rather than a bun!....*STOP drooling!!* ^_^
And while some people are thinking about what kind of money they're gonna be 'shelling out', other people are thinking about what kind of money they're gonna be 'raking in'! ^_^ ...like, for instance, the people who live in the neighborhood directly surrounding the Fair. Because 'The Big E''s popularity has grown so much over the years, attendance each day has taken away parking space on the actual Fair grounds. So, the people in the neighborhood allow attendants to park in their yards...for a fee...every day. :-) And the closer you live, the more you can charge it seems. LOL...Although I don't think every resident takes advantage of the benefits like that.
In fact, some people in the surrounding towns of West Springfield Massachusetts DREAD 'The Big E'! You can hear them, even before it gets started, complaining about how the traffic is gonna be ridiculous...which it always is!...and how hard it's gonna be to maneuver around town at certain hours of the day....which is also TRUE!...Oh Yeah! Memorial Bridge, across from the city of Springfield, Massachusetts, gets a work-out this time of year!!...And since it's only about 8 miles from us, we can attest to all of the above!
One of these days, instead of just dodging the traffic around 'The Big E', I'm gonna be a part of 'The Big E'...*she said with a huge crazy woman smile on her face*...That's because small vendors in their respective booths, selling all kinds of things, from state-specific trinkets and regional memorabilia, to household goods, clothing and accessories, is a main attraction at 'The Big E'....Can't you just see my 'Ugly Wuglyees' booth?.. with my husband standing next to it, in a nice suit, wearing one of my colorful lapel pins...and me with one of my scarves around my neck?! ^_^ ...Speaking of which, these are my latest ones...
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...They're in the shop, as of last night.
I know!....I'm dreaming! LOL My little crocheted items wouldn't be able to compete with one of the largest vendor areas at 'The Big E' anyway!...the "Better Living Center"! Back when I was able to walk the concourses I spent most of my time there...looking at the latest household wares, home improvement services, cookware, etc.
If food and music and shopping are not your thing, there's still something for you!...At the Big E Coliseum there's daily horse shows! And the Mallary Complex houses livestock and other farm animals, including goats, chickens, pigs, and sheep. Not to mention the petting zoos or the Big E Super Circus! :-)
No, I wasn't paid for this advertisement! I just couldn't ignore the biggest thing going on in our area right now. If you're gonna be around this area for the next couple of weeks...'The Big E' started on Friday...bring your money, wear your comfortable walking shoes, put on your best behavior, and make sure your patience is in good working order! LOL....And COME to 'The Big E'!...ENJOY!!!
If you're not gonna be around here, maybe you can plan to for next year. It always begins the 2nd Friday after Labor Day, and runs for 17 days.
Now, I have to run! I have a meeting this morning...and a talk to write afterward. :-) Have a good day, Everybody!...I'll just leave you with an easy poem today. :-)
Ease, By Rhyme
To ease my mind,
I jot down a rhyme.
When forced to think,
my brain cells link.
With emotions on paper,
anxieties taper.
With the flow of my pen,
I'm at peace again.
And to jot down this rhyme,
brought ease to my mind.
