Wednesday, September 12, 2012

 
It's fair time: Big E, several CT events on the calendar

Phyllis A.S. Boros
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
There's a lot that's big at the Big E.

Now billed as America's 8th largest fair, the Big E again will reign as the regions' most spectacular exposition on 175 acres in West Springfield, Mass., opening Friday, Sept. 14, and running through Sunday, Sept. 30
The 17-day fair -- which runs rain or shine -- opens with a "Be A Kid for A Day" special; all ages pay the children's price of $10.
Opening day also will be observed as Military Appreciation Day, with free admission for military personnel and dependents, and veterans with identification.

A celebration of all things New England (including its foods, arts, crafts and fall traditions such as giant pumpkins), the Big E attracts visitors from throughout the country.
In 1917, when it was founded by community leaders as an agricultural celebration, the Big E 138,000 people visited. Last year's official count: 1,201,428 -- and that was with eight days of rain and a string of uncomfortably hot and humid afternoons.

"That number could grow significantly should the weather be dry and warm and the `staycation' trends of the past few years" hold true, says Catherine Pappas, Big E communications manager.

In 2012, many audience favorites will return: concerts, a plethora of food outlets, amusement rides, horse shows and equestrian competitions, agricultural exhibits, an arts and crafts village, circus performances, cooking demonstrations, daily parades at 5 p.m., exhibits of farm animals and "shop-'til-you-drop" opportunities.
Read more: http://www.ctpost.com/news/article/It-s-fair-time-Big-E-several-CT-events-on-the-3857776.php#ixzz26FECUvJD


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