WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — The Eastern States Exposition (the Big E!) opens on September 16th. The fair, held in West Springfield, Massachusetts, will run for 17 days, ending on October 2nd. Annually, over 1.5 million people visit the Big E to learn about the New England states and experience regional agriculture, hands-on living history, music and performances from national and regional entertainers. Great food, demonstrations and exhibits, animals, exciting rides and games are all part of the Big E experience!
The Big E’s Avenue of States opened on the fairgrounds in the early 1900’s and features a building from each of the New England States. Fair-goers can experience a taste of New England in a single afternoon by strolling through the six brick structures, which are replicas of each state’s original state capitol. Generations of Big E attendees have enjoyed an annual visit to the Granite State via the Big E New Hampshire Building.
Visitors to this year’s New Hampshire Building will find an impressive lineup of businesses, products and entertainers. Each shares their own story, while highlighting New Hampshire craftsmanship, food and the arts. At the state information booth, folks can find answers to specific questions about New Hampshire activities and attractions and get help in planning a trip to the Granite State.
New Hampshire food and agriculture are also showcased at the New Hampshire Building with a New Hampshire maple exhibit and New Hampshire made products in the General Store. Fair favorites such as New Hampshire Mac & Cheese, blueberry pie and ice cream, and butter-dipped New Hampshire corn-on-the-cob will be on offer to visitors. Everything is served fresh at the New Hampshire Building!
Each day of the fair features special demonstrations by New Hampshire crafters. Fair-goers will be able to see chair-caning, woodcarving, basket making, Russian doll making and more. Musical entertainment is planned for each weekend in the New Hampshire Building, showcasing local New Hampshire musicians. This year’s lineup includes an eclectic list of New Hampshire performers from across the state: Singer-songwriter Abrielle Scharff, Portsmouth; Swing and Americana band The Honey bees; Traditional music duo Slattery & Stewart, Enfield; Rob Oxford w/Americana’s Most Wanted, Grantham; Mix Tape a cappella group, Keene; Blues guitarist Pete Peterson; Jazz and Spanish guitarist Jose Lezcano, Keene; and Fiddler Jordan Tirrell-Wysocki & Jim Prendergast.
New Hampshire Day at the Big E is Sept. 23rd. An exciting group of New Hampshire performers are scheduled to appear on stage for this special day. The 2022 roster includes a stone wall building demonstration by Kevin Garner of Hopkinton; Barbershop music from the Keene Cheshiremen Chorus of Keene; Bluegrass music by Cardigan Mountain Tradition band of Enfield; a Dueling Pianos performance with Bill Connors; and Blues & Jazz music from TJ Wheeler & the Smokers. NH Fish & Game will also be there with K-9 team demonstrations.
The 2021 Big E will feature plenty of fun for the whole family with lots to see and do. The New Hampshire Building is managed by the New Hampshire Dept. of Agriculture, Markets & Food. For more information call tel. 271-3688, or visit www.agriculture.nh.gov for a more detailed program. For more information about the Big E, log on to www.thebige.com
–New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets and Food