THE EASTERN STATES EXPOSITION ?BIG E? STARTS NEXT WEEK

September 6, 2013

For more information contact: Jessica Nixon and John Bott at: 207-215-7388, 207-287-3156

-MAINE DAY IS SEPTEMBER 28-

AUGUSTA ? The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) encourages people to attend ?New England?s Biggest Celebration,? starting September 13 and ending September 29 in West Springfield Massachusetts. The Eastern States Exposition, also know as the ?Big E,? helps develop and promote argriculture, education, industry and family entertainment while preserving New England Heritage.

The ?Big E? is the largest fair in New England, with participation from all six New England states (Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hamspshire, Vermont and Maine). 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.

?The ?Big E? is a great opportunity to highlight Maine products and what makes Maine truly special,? said Governor Paul R. LePage. ?I commend this year?s participants for their williness to help represent Maine.??

The DACF oversees Maine?s participation in this annual event. DACF Commissioner Walt Whitcomb stressed the importance of participating companies, organizations and state agencies. ?Our exhibitors will help publicize and advertise Maine?s products and resources in agriculture, industry, fisheries, wildlife and recreation,? . ? said Whitcomb. ?Fairgoers will experience a balance of educational and commercial exhibits that showcase Maine and its unique way of life. Only items that produced, grown, crafted, manufactured or significantly altered in Maine are featured in the Maine building.?

Maine Day at the ?Big E? is September 28 and features a Mardi Gras parade. Governor Paul LePage, DACF Commissioner Walt Whitcomb and numerous state officials are scheduled to attend that day.

The ?Big E? takes place every September in West Springfield, Massachusetts. Last year?s attendance set a new record, with over 1.3 million fairgoers passing through the ?Big E? gates over seventeen days. More than 850,000 of the fairgoers visit the state buildings located on the Avenue of States, affording a tremendous opportunity to promote Maine and Maine products.

Maine Exhibitors:

Alan Claude ? Farmingdale ? Maine Lighthouse Collection Series Bartlettyarns, Inc. ? Harmony ? Mule Spun Wool Yarns and Finished Products - NEW Bunting Hill Arts ? Buxton ? Glass Bead Jewelry - NEW Hancock Gourmet Lobster Company ? Topsham ? Maine Lobster Rolls, Poland Spring Water Historic Pittston Farm ? Pittston Academy Grant Township ? Destination, Campground, Restaurant, Farm Lovell Designs ? Portland ? Nature Inspired Jewelry, Ornaments Maine Aquaculture Association ? Hallowell ? Smoked Salmon On A Stick Maine Garden Products ? Friendship - Heirloom Quality Home and Garden Accessories Maine Office of Tourism ? Augusta ? Maine Tourism Information Maine Potato Board ? Presque Isle ? Maine Baked Potato Maine Wood Products Association ? Belfast ? Maine Wood Crafters Prospect Harbor Soap Company ? Prospect Harbor? Handmade Soaps and Skincare products The Maine Highlands ? Bangor ? Tourism for Greater Bangor, Moosehead Lake & Mt. Katahdin Wicked Whoopies by Isamax Snacks, Inc. ? Gardiner ? Whoopie Pies Wild Blueberry Commission of Maine ? Orono ? Wild Maine Blueberry Products Woods Mountain/Rib Truck ? West Manland ? Barbeque, BBQ Pork Parfait

Harvest New England Day/Maine Day front lawn exhibitors:

MOFGA Gold Star Honeybee Congr?s mondial acadien Capt n? Elis Nature is Me Wicked Joes ? Offering free coffee sampling all day

For more information about the Big E, please visit http://www.thebige.com For more information on Maine?s participation in the event, contact Jessica Nixon at (207) 215-7388.