The largest fair in New England is the Big E, the nickname of the Eastern States Exposition. Located on grounds in Springfield, western Massachusetts, the dates this year are September 14-30th.

There are the usual agricultural displays of Giant pumpkins, Holsteins and Clydesdales, and most things you’d expect to see on a farm, and one of my personal favorites… sheep dog trails - how the darn do they train those dogs to respond to a whistle?

But the Big E will not disappoint if your fun needs to be a bit livelier. This year they have a 5,000-gallon aquarium filled with sharks, and some divers will be interacting with them - hope they’re well fed - talking about the sharks smarty!

Other attractions will include The Big E Circus, Wild Kingdom Adventure Tour, and parades along the Avenue of States - watch out for the daily Mardi Gras Parade - and step back in time at the 19th century Storrowton Village.

And for thrill seekers, all the fun of rides in the Midway Magic Fair - separate ticket pass required.

If you’re in the mood to buy something then there are plenty of stalls offering such things as wood carvings, musical instruments, a Yankee Candle Shop and lots more in the various shopping venues sprinkled throughout the grounds.

The Big E has a reputation for attracting great entertainment acts, many of them free. This year you can check out concerts by Joan Jett, Taylor Hicks (didn’t he win American Idol?), Brooke Hogan, and Josh Turner for free! The following acts are ticketed show: Daughtry (didn’t he lose at American Idol?), Trace Adkins, and Montgomery Gentry.

The fairgrounds are well sign-posted once you get to Springfield. Use exits 4 and 6 from Mass Pike - I-90. Admission is $12 weekday for Adult, and $15 for weekend - AAA members can buy advance discountered tickets at local branches.

Hours are 8:00am - 10:00pm each day.

For more details about events, directions, and admission policies visit the official site at http://www.thebige.com

West Springfield is close to many wonderful fall foliage destinations in the Pioneer Valley and Berkshires areas of Massachusetts.

For more ideas of what to see and do in the area, check out my special Massachusetts Vacations page by clicking here.

Til a few days, enjoy the fair.

Cliff Calderwood
Executive Director
New England Vacation Guide