Every year in September, friends and family gather along in the streets of West Springfield as the Big E, the largest fair in the Northeast opens up. People gather around to get together and enjoy the variety of foods  presented at the fair– from unique deep fried creations and lively parades to the rides and fair games. As the Big E is hosted each year we see more success than the previous year, let’s take a look into this year’s fair and how they’re doing.

This year, the Big E introduced us to a multitude of new food vendors and attractions. Something people look forward to were the performers this year. Known artists such as Ludacris and popular boy band from the early 2000’s, Big Time Rush, were some of the performers brought to us this year. Not limited to our Pop and Rap performers, genres like classic rock, country, as well Irish music were all part of the performances held at the Big E to ensure satisfaction to all kinds of music lovers. 

On top of their all new attractions, fair offerings and culinary options the Big E was also very adamant on their public safety and public health while also enjoying their festivities. This year they provided live broadcasting of the latest information revolving around the Flu and Covid 19. Not only that, but they also provided on-site vaccinations as well as Covid tests for their guests. 

More on what’s new, while cash transactions are still accepted, this year guests were introduced to a cashless paying method allowing for more convenient transactions. In addition to this, reusable wristbands were distributed– this new method was to prevent thefts as well as allow for smoother, faster transactions so guests could spend more time enjoying their visit at the fair rather than waiting in long lines just to enter. 

Like every year, The Big E enjoys promoting its agricultural aspects. This year it showcased new horses, showing off the new breeds. While in its previous years agricultural competitions were hosted, this year it focused on educating the youth on the importance of sustainable farming practices and engaging with the farm animals. Compared to its previous years, its “Farm-to-Table” experiences were generously expanded demonstrating why local ingredients and sustainable farming is so important to our communities, health as well as the environment and animals. The goal of these exhibits are to educate the farm-to-plate process and what is good versus what is bad. 

Overall, all of these new aspects brought forth by the Big E were all strong points in making the Big E not only a fun entertainment venue but also a good educational site for youth and everyone in general.