MAINE DAY AT THE ?BIG E? IS SATURDAY!

September 24, 2014

For more information contact: Jessica Nixon at: 207-215-7388

AUGUSTA ? The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) encourages people to attend Maine Day at ?New England?s Biggest Celebration,? this Saturday, September 27 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. This year?s ?Big E? started September 12 and continues through September 28).

Maine Day at the ?Big E? features Down East Humorist Tim Sample, musical performances from Don Roy Trio, Erica Brown and the Bluegrass Connection Band, and the Press Gang Band and Maine enhancements to the daily Mardi Gras parade. A record-setting 160,872 people visited the ?Big E? on last year?s Maine day.

?The ?Big E? offers an excellent opportunity to showcase what makes Maine unique and special,? said Governor Paul R. LePage. ?I commend all of this year?s participants who work so hard to promote Maine and Maine products.??

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 promote Maine?s products and resources in agriculture, industry, fisheries, wildlife and recreation,? said Whitcomb. ?Visitors to the Maine building 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 our building.?

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? takes place every September in West Springfield, Massachusetts. Last year?s attendance set a new record, with nearly 1.5 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 -Buoy Sports, LLC (South Berwick): Sports and Decorative Products -Bunting Hill Arts (Buxton): Glass Bead Jewelry -Hancock Gourmet Lobster Company (Topsham): Maine Lobster Rolls, Poland Spring Water -Historic Pittston Farm (Pittston Academy Grant Township): Destination, Campground, Restaurant, Farm -Lori Davis Photography (Ellsworth): Nature, Wildlife and Landscape Photography -Lovell Designs (Portland): Nature Inspired Jewelry, Ornaments -Maine Aquaculture Association (Hallowell):Smoked Salmon On A Stick -Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife: Outdoor Recreation Information -Maine Office of Tourism: Maine Tourism Information -Maine Potato Board (Presque Isle):Maine Baked Potato -Maine Wood Products Association (Belfast): Maine Wood Crafters -Pizza Pie on the Fly (Portland):Wood Fired Pizza -Prospect Harbor Soap Company (Prospect Harbor): Handmade Soaps and Skincare products -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 -Works of Heart (Caribou): Maine Made Products and Amish Furniture

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.