Eastern States Exposition


Eastern States Exposition

September, starts the second Friday after Labor DayAlso known as the Big E, the Eastern States Exposition is an agricultural and industrial fair in West Springfield, Mass. It's sponsored by all six New England states and runs to the end of September. The first exposition in 1917 attracted 138,000 visitors; these days, attendance tops one million.
The exposition is known for its Avenue of the States, where each New England state has erected a permanent replica of its original State House. (The New Hampshire State House uses New Hampshire granite for its columns.) In the buildings are displays of state products, for example, Maine potatoes, New Hampshire maple syrup, Vermont cheese, Massachusetts cranberries, Rhode Island clam cakes, and Connecticut apples.
The livestock show is the largest in the East, and the Eastern States Horse Show is one of the oldest and most prestigious equestrian events in the country. Besides hunters, jumpers, harness, and saddle horses, there are draft horses in dress harness.
Today the exposition also features a parade, a circus, and international exhibits.
CONTACTS:
Eastern States Exposition
1305 Memorial Ave., Rte. 147
West Springfield, MA 01089
413-787-0271; fax: 413-787-0127
www.thebige.com