WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Maine Day at “New England’s Largest Fair” attracted 112,377 visitors on Saturday, September 16. The Eastern States Exposition, also known as the “Big E,” continues through October 1. This year marks the 101st time the fair has promoted New England agriculture, education, industry, family entertainment and traditions. The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry oversees Maine’s participation in this annual event.
All six New England states (Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine) are part of the “Big E.” Each state has its own exhibition hall. The State of Maine building (built in 1925) showcases Maine foods and products, as well as features information on Maine’s many recreational and vacation opportunities.
It was definitely a memorable Maine Day for participants, commodity queens, vendors, performers and visitors.
Maine Day at the “Big E” was early this year:
The “Big E” draws over 1.4 million fairgoers annually, many of whom visit the state buildings located on the Avenue of States, affording a tremendous opportunity to promote Maine and Maine products.
A record number of visitors attended The “Big E” in 2014, breaking the Fair’s all-time high attendance figure, with a final tally of 1,498,605. In 2016, total attendance was 1,418,042, stronger than 2015, but just shy of the record. As of last year, Maine Day was moved to the second day of the fair (it was at the second to last day previously).
Maine Day and Big E Participants
Maine Day Participants:
- Marine touch tank
- Bells of Everest
- Maine Mineral and Gem Museum
- Allagash Tails
- IF&W Game Wardens
- Smokey Bear/Forest Service Ranger
- Performances by singer Amanda Landry, Maine Square Dancing Group and the Maine Wells Marching Band.
- Maine’s Commodity Queens and Princesses
- Maine Day Enhancement Floats
Maine Building Exhibitors:
- Maine Maple Producers Association – Assorted Maple Products and Beverages
- Alan Claude – Maine Lighthouse Collection Series
- Maine Aquaculture Association – Smoked Salmon on a Stick
- Lori A Davis Photography & Lara Max, Artisan Blacksmith – Nature & Wildlife Photographs, postcards, magnets. Blacksmith Designs and Paintings
- Beast Feast Maine – BBQ sauces, Hot sauces, Marinades & Rubs
- Maine Office of Tourism – Maine Tourism Information
- Jack and Mary Designs – Recycled sweater mittens, hats, headbands & scarves
- Maine Made – Maine-crafted products
- Buoy Sports, LLC – Decorative Buoys and Buoy Bats
- Wicked Whoopies by Isamax Snacks, Inc. – Whoopie Pies
- Hancock Gourmet Lobster Company – Maine Lobster Rolls, Poland Spring Water
- Old Bottle Sea Glass of Maine – Maine Sea Glass Art
- Historic Pittston Farm – Destination, Campground, Restaurant, Homemade Ice Cream
- Hilltop Spoonworks – Wooden cooking utensils & Kitchen tools
- Pizza Pie on the Fly – Wood Fire Pizza
- Wild Blueberry Commission of Maine – Wild Maine Blueberry Products
- Fire & Company – Maine Craft Brews
- Maine Potato Board – Maine Baked Potato
- Winter Whimsies – Unique handcrafted Christmas ornaments
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For more information about the Big E, please visit www.thebige.com For more information on Maine’s participation in the event, contact Ashley Sears at (207) 557-1516.
—Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry
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