DACF Home → Bureaus & Programs → Bureau of Agriculture → Agricultural Resource Development Division → Market Promotion and Special Events Program → Eastern States Exposition (The Big E!)
State of Maine Building at Eastern States Expo
The Big E is an annual event that begins on the second Friday after Labor Day and runs for 17 days each September.
Future Dates:
2021 Dates: Sept. 17 - Oct. 3. 2021
2022 Dates: Sept. 16 - Oct. 2. 2022
On this page:
- For Fairgoers
- The Maine Building - Showcasing Maine since 1925!
- For Exhibitors/Vendors
- Applications - To exhibit, present & represent Maine!
- Exhibitor Resources - Vendor Services, FAQs
- Important Dates - Event schedules & deadlines
The Maine Building
The State of Maine Building is an exhibition and trades display venue showcasing the best of Maine to more than 850,000 visitors annually who attend "The Big E." The building is located on the grounds of Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Massachusetts on the Expo’s Avenue of New England States.
The Agricultural Resource and Development Division of DACF operates and maintains the building for the purpose of ‘exhibiting, publicizing and advertising Maine's products and resources in agriculture, industry, fisheries, forests, wildlife and recreation.’ The State of Maine has participated in this exciting display of New England traditions since 1925.
Visit thebige.com for a full list of "Big E" festivities
For Exhibitors/Vendors
Interested in being a part of this great event? Exhibit with us!
Applications
Applications are closed for the 2021 Big E. Please subscribe to our newsletter and bookmark this page to receive updates.
About the Venue
The Agricultural Resources team within the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry manages the State of Maine Building venue.
- Maine businesses and organizations have an opportunity to rent space to sell products, or market brands and services in the State of Maine Building during the Big E! fair. The Maine Building attracts thousands of daily visitors during the 17-day event.
- Any interested Exhibitor must submit a completed application for consideration. If awarded space, they join a team of exhibitors working to showcase products, brands and services, and the best of Maine to building visitors and shoppers from across New England, parts of New York and elsewhere.
- Only items which are produced, grown, crafted, manufactured or significantly altered in Maine may be sold in the Maine building.
Other exhibition opportunities during the fair:
Exhibitor Resources
Exhibitor Resources are for those awarded space. It includes a library of documents - required forms, checklist, FAQs etc. A plus sign next to the section means you need to click a link to expand the full list of info.
Required Training and Forms - All Building Exhibitors +
- NON-FOOD ESE Safety Plan (PDF) – This plan is required by ESE. Exhibitors should save this document under their booth name and complete it. Building Management will request a copy of it.
- ESE Training Video (NON-FOOD) - This video is required viewing by all non-food participants and vendors at the 2021 Big E! fair.
- FOOD ESE Safety Plan (PDF) – This plan is required by ESE. Exhibitors should save this document under their booth name and complete it. Building Management will request a copy of it.
- ESE Training Video (FOOD) - This video is required viewing by all food vendors at the 2021 Big E! fair.
Forms Amenities and Services - All Exhibitors +
- Temporary Storage and Delivery Request Form (PDF) - Due August 1. Use form to request temporary storage space on grounds, and/or request delivery driver access. Submit to: ESE C/O Derryl (Storage/Delivery Request) 1305 Memorial Ave. West Springfield, MA 01089
- Internet at the Big E! - Place your order online.
- Telephone at The Big E (PDF) - Place your phone/DSL line order
- Accommodations: This is a popular event; select and reserve early. Accommodations payment is Exhibitor's responsibility.
- There are many lodging options in Western Mass.
- Military retirees or Active Guard and Reserve members can get inexpensive lodging at The Flyers Inn on Westover Air Reserve Base in nearby Chicopee. The telephone number is (413) 593-5421.
- On-site camping is limited; and not available to Exhibitors.
- If you are awarded space in the Maine Building, email Maine Building Management to request room block info. Rooms are available first come, first served.
Forms and Requirements - Food and Beverage Exhibitors +
- Temporary Food Permit Application (PDF) – Required temporary Food Permit Application to sell or sample food (PDF) – Due 30 days before fair. Must submit and pay according to fee schedule. You may pay fees online.
- Email application and questions to Jeanne Galloway Town of W. Springfield Health Dept.
- Health Department Requirements (PDF) - All food vendors must comply with requirements. Town of W. Springfield Health Dept. document summarizes key points to comply with Massachusetts regulation, 105 CMR 590.011(C)(3)(a) and the 2013 food code while vending at the fair.
- Food Allergen Awareness Training and Regulation Certification - At least one staff must complete the training, and obtain certificate from a Mass. Dept. of Public Health-approved vendor.
- ServSafe Certification - At least one person must complete the manager training and exam for certificate.
- Propane Cylinder Requirements (PDF) - Permit application required by W. Springfield Fire Department
- National Fire Protection Association Food Truck Safety Fact Sheet (PDF) – Fact sheet from W. Springfield Fire Dept
- W. Springfield Fire Department Food Service Fire Safety Inspection (PDF) – Template of sample inspection standards evaluated by W. Springfield Fire Dept
FAQs, Checklists, Timelines, Directions, Maps - All Exhibitors +
- Exhibitor Packing Guide (PDF) - Reminders and tips with space to add your own needs.
- Exhibitor Timelines (PDF) – Checklist to pace your preparation.
- Exhibitor FAQs (PDF) - A summary of FAQs. Email additional inquiries to Building Management.
- Grounds Map (PDF)
- Directions - Note: traffic patterns may change due to the fair. Follow local, real time instructions.
- General Info - Ticketing, shuttles service, and activity schedules.
Fire Safety Requirements - All Exhibitors +
Required by W. Springfield Fire Department
Important Dates! Annual Schedule and Deadlines
| Month | Items Due |
|---|---|
| January - March |
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| April - June |
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| June |
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| July |
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| September |
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| October-August |
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| November | Application available online for upcoming year |