The Big E: September 18-October 4, 2015

If you live in New England, chances are that you have been to the Eastern States Exposition, more commonly known as the Big E, which is held in West Springfield, Massachusetts, each year. From fair food to the state buildings to the concerts, this annual celebration of everything New England is a great way to welcome fall! If you’re not from the area, then visiting the two-week-long event, taking place this year from September 18-October 4, will make your trip all the more special. Here is some of the information that you need to know in order to make this year’s trip to the Big E a success:

• Tickets  The Big E takes place from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm each day. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for kids ages 6 through 12. Children 5 and under are free. There are some exceptions, though: If you order in advance, tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for kids. Also, you can buy a 17-day value ticket, allowing you unlimited admission throughout the event, for $40 for adults and $20 for kids. If you and your children are ride-fanatics, you might decide to buy the Midway Magic pass, which allows you both admittance and unlimited rides, for $25 per person. Finally, tickets are only $6 Monday through Thursday if you go after 5:00 pm.

• State Days  Each state in New England gets a special day during the Big E to celebrate itself! Although you can visit the state buildings every day during the event, on each state’s special day, they really put their best foot forward! You’ll be able to see special presentations on the lawn, and there is a festive feel inside the state of honor’s building. This year, the dates for each state are as follows: Rhode Island, September 22; Connecticut, September 23; Massachusetts, September 24; New Hampshire, September 25; Vermont, September 26; and Maine, October 3.

• Fair Food  The Big E takes fair food to a whole new level. From giant slabs of fried dough, to big bags of cotton candy, to Chowderheads (clam chowder served in a bread bowl), to their legendary cream puffs, you will not go home hungry! Be sure to try the Craz-E Burger, which is a cheeseburger served between two halves of a glazed doughnut. If that makes your stomach churn just thinking about it, there are plenty of healthy options, such as sandwiches, smoothies and salads, to choose from as well.

• Attractions  As with any large fair, you’ll find a variety of attractions. There are agricultural events taking place each day that are open to the public, including horse shows, cow shows and more. You can see what the region’s 4-H-ers have been up to over the past year, and you’ll be able to see butter sculptures, smell all of the delicious scents at the Yankee Candle store, and step back in time at the Storrowton Village Museum. There’s also the Midway, which is teeming with carnival games and rides. There are cooking contests and concerts, too; if you’re a Beach Boys fan, show up on the 29th so that you can watch them perform for free in the xfinity center on the grounds.

As see, there’s something for everyone at the Eastern States Exposition. It’s a great place to spend a day, a weekend, or, if you really love fairs, 17 fun-filled days and nights. If you’ll be in New England this September, be sure to make the trip to West Springfield and join the fun.

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