Another year flies by and October is here and so are the fall fairs! The biggest of them all, The Big E has come and gone, but it sure was great while it lasted. The Big E attracts all types of people because of the array of attractions and exhibits that it offers. Most fairgoers return for the same things each year no matter what age they are: to be entertained, excited, to learn, eat good food, and feel like a kid again.
It returns to West Springfield, MA each year for over two weeks of fall activities, food, fun and entertainment. The Big E always has a great bunch of musicians who come and perform. This year’s lineup of headlining acts included Boys II Men Foghat, Seether or Bret Michaels, Sugarland and Little Big Town along with a performance by Jamey Johnson.
One popular attraction inside the Big E is the grand North American Midway including a 115-foot spinning Giant Wheel and Polar Express and a Fireball and Niagara Falls Flume as well many other rides for thrill seekers. For the history buffs, there was a walking tour of New England created with life-size state capitals inside the Avenue of States. Similarly, there was Storrowton Village, 19th century New England’s historical building replicas.
My favorite section was by far The Craft Common with handmade creations made by local artists. “I loved the crafts!” said 22-year-old CCSU student and Connecticut resident Caitlin King, who experienced her first time at the Big E just a week ago. “I found something for everyone I know, and decided to buy a bunch of Christmas presents super early.”
Each day there were also Mardi Gras Parades, cooking contests, as well as national and regional sheep shows. Delicious treats like cream puffs, éclairs, chocolate chip cookies and fried dough, and fresh squeezed lemonade were available along every inch of the fair. “I love the food there. There is nothing like fair food,” said 23-year-old college graduate Emily Cowen who is originally from Connecticut. “I feel like I leave the fair five pounds heavier each year.”
Another favorite attraction of mine was The Eastern States Exposition Horse Show competing in many divisions such as Hunt Seat in the historic Coliseum (popular for horse lovers and equestrians who visit the Big E.) The Coliseum used to the place where the Springfield Indians professional hockey team played in the 1950s and '60s. It is now the building is where The Big E holds all of its demonstrations and competitions such as horse shows, and even oxen pulling to sheep herding.
It returns to West Springfield, MA each year for over two weeks of fall activities, food, fun and entertainment. The Big E always has a great bunch of musicians who come and perform. This year’s lineup of headlining acts included Boys II Men Foghat, Seether or Bret Michaels, Sugarland and Little Big Town along with a performance by Jamey Johnson.
One popular attraction inside the Big E is the grand North American Midway including a 115-foot spinning Giant Wheel and Polar Express and a Fireball and Niagara Falls Flume as well many other rides for thrill seekers. For the history buffs, there was a walking tour of New England created with life-size state capitals inside the Avenue of States. Similarly, there was Storrowton Village, 19th century New England’s historical building replicas.
My favorite section was by far The Craft Common with handmade creations made by local artists. “I loved the crafts!” said 22-year-old CCSU student and Connecticut resident Caitlin King, who experienced her first time at the Big E just a week ago. “I found something for everyone I know, and decided to buy a bunch of Christmas presents super early.”
Each day there were also Mardi Gras Parades, cooking contests, as well as national and regional sheep shows. Delicious treats like cream puffs, éclairs, chocolate chip cookies and fried dough, and fresh squeezed lemonade were available along every inch of the fair. “I love the food there. There is nothing like fair food,” said 23-year-old college graduate Emily Cowen who is originally from Connecticut. “I feel like I leave the fair five pounds heavier each year.”
Another favorite attraction of mine was The Eastern States Exposition Horse Show competing in many divisions such as Hunt Seat in the historic Coliseum (popular for horse lovers and equestrians who visit the Big E.) The Coliseum used to the place where the Springfield Indians professional hockey team played in the 1950s and '60s. It is now the building is where The Big E holds all of its demonstrations and competitions such as horse shows, and even oxen pulling to sheep herding.
Along with horseshows there are other animal attractions such as the famous Clydesdale horses that are absolutely enourmous, strong animals. There were barns full of sheep, goats and cows as well and even some were being presented by their owners in competitions to win prizes for the best looking, healthiest animal.
The Big E is faithful each year to its loyal fairgoers by returning to the same place with its traditional country, yet circus-like atmosphere, but it always offers something new to the public. It will always have its original, most popular activities and exhibits, but it maintains its New England country fair charm that keeps people coming back each year.
No comments:
Post a Comment