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Maine at the Big E—The Eastern States Exposition

September 5, 2008

Contact: Judy Blaisdell
207-287-3871

SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS—There’s no better place to enjoy the sights, sounds and taste-tempting aromas of the fall season than at The Big E, New England’s Autumn Tradition, and the largest fair in the Northeast, held in West Springfield, Massachusetts. It’s a New England extravaganza, with top-name entertainment, major exhibits, The Big E Super Circus, the Avenue of States, New England history and agriculture, animals, rides, shopping, crafts, a daily parade, and a Mardi Gras parade, plus foods from around the world, for 17 glorious days during New England’s most colorful season.

How can you visit all six New England states in less than one hour? Visit The Big E, the only fair in the country with multiple states participating! Take a stroll along the Avenue of States and see impressive replicas of each New England state’s original statehouse sitting on land actually owned by that state. Take a step inside and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and tastes of quintessential New England.

Walking through the life-size replicas of each state’s original capitol, you can learn about the people, products, and attractions each New England state has to offer. A trip down the Avenue of States allows you to have a taste of what New England has to offer, from Maine to Connecticut, and all points in between. You can begin your journey at whichever state you prefer—just be sure not to miss any!

Maine became the next state after Massachusetts to erect a building along the Avenue. The dignified colonial replica of Maine’s original statehouse was built in 1925, at a cost of $50,000. Just a short walk from Massachusetts, the building features local food and products and a wealth of vacation information about this beautiful northeastern-most state. You’ll have a chance to try Maine’s famous blueberries or smoked salmon, devour a Maine baked potato with all the fixins, and participate in special Maine Day activities showcasing the Pine Tree State. Flags, maple syrup, dried flowers, children’s fleece clothing, lobster, nature prints, cheesecake, kettle corn, equine prints, wood products, and college recruiting services are showcased Maine products and services provided in the Maine Building. Information on hunting, fishing, camping, snowmobiling, and skiing is also available.

The Maine Building features exhibits and Maine products by the following vendors: Maine Aquaculture Asssociation, Eugenia’s Country Flags of Scarborough, Bob’s Sugarhouse of Dover-Foxcroft, Minikins of Farmington, Maine-Le-Flowers of Sanford, Hancock’s Gourmet Lobster of Topsham, Snow Prints, Ltd. of South Thomaston, Izzy’s Cheesecake of Portland, Nickerson’s Kettle Corn of Newburgh, Designs by Dannie of South Berwick, Maine Tourism Association, Maine Office of Tourism, Maine Potato Board, Wild Blueberry Commission of Maine, University of Maine at Machias, Unity College, Maine Wood Products, and The Maine Highlands.

Eastern States Exposition, home of The Big E, was founded by Joshua L. Brooks in 1916, when he convinced the National Dairy Show to hold its annual event on the Exposition grounds. In 1917, the first Eastern States Exposition took place. Brooks’ desire was to bring together all six New England states in one location to share ideas and improve regional agriculture. Brooks dreamed of having state buildings at the fair that would showcase the traditional and new products and attractions that make each New England state unique.

The 2008 Eastern States Exposition held in West Springfield, Massachusetts, runs from September 12–28; Maine Day is held on Saturday, September 27.

More information may be found at http://www.thebige.com/ or you can contact Judy Blaisdell at 207-287-3871, or judy.blaisdell@maine.gov.