‘Big is Back’ the theme for this year’s Big EDate: 8/10/2021 WEST SPRINGFIELD – With the Big E just around the corner, people are patiently awaiting all the amusement that comes with the old and new of the world-renowned fair. With the theme “Big is Back,” the fair will return on Sept. 17 and last until Oct. 3.
While there are attractions and entertainment for people of all ages, fairgoers can anticipate a “bigger and better than ever [year]” claimed Noreen Tassinari, director of marketing at the Eastern States Exposition. “Our theme is with a nod to the fact [it] didn’t take place in 2020.”
To kick-off the performances on opening night, Machine Gun Kelly will be headlining in the Big E Arena. According to Tassinari, tickets for his show sold out immediately when they went on sale in the spring.
On Sept. 18, Billy Idol will play, followed by Zach Williams on Sept. 19.
The following weekend, Flo Rida will be in town with the Ying Yang Twins, a rap duo- headlining on Sept. 25. On Sept. 26, Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo; followed by the Goo Goo Dolls on Oct. 1. Styx will be playing on Oct. 3. All of these performances will also take place on the Big E Arena stage.
Tassinari said there are two additional shows that, as of press time, had not been determined.
Tickets for these concerts can be found at the thebige.com. Concert tickets include admission to the Big E when purchased in advance.
The Court of Honor Stage will also have frequent performances. “There are a lot of small artists booked for that,” said Tassinari. Some of these artists include Foghat, Modern English, The Yardbirds, 10,000 Maniacs, Don McLean, Jesse McCartney, Rainere Martin in the Donna Summer Experience, Exile, Tribute to the King, featuring Taylor Rodriguez, and many more. All shows on the Court of Honor Stage are free with admission to the Big E.
Also on the Court of Honor Stage will be a collector car live show. Tassinari said there are three hosts that are “known to the collector car world.” This includes Mike Brewer of Wheeler Dealers, Wayne Carini of Chasing Classic Cars, and Steve Magnante of the Barrett-Jackson automobile auction company.
On the E-stage, Tassinari said there will be New England and national emerging artists shows daily.
The Big E is set to host the “Circus Spectacular” with three shows daily under the Big Top. In addition, “Sahara,” presented by Camel Kingdom, will take place and is designed to be an educational show. Tassinari said, “This is where people can learn about camels.”
The Budweiser Clydesdales will be present at the fair, along with racing pigs who will have five shows daily. “Little pigs race around a track – there’s an Oreo cookie for them to chase,” she said. In the past, they’ve done about four shows per day but due to the crowds and excitement it draws, they decided to add one more.
“Another favorite is a fellow named Hilby – ‘The Skinny German Juggle Guy,’ – he does a comedy routine in Storrowtown’s Gazebo,” said Tassinari. Storrowton Village has glass blowing demonstrations and mobile glass studios for passersby to engage in.
On a daily basis, the “big parade” will move through the Big E. “There are Mardi Gras floats and regulars toss beads,” said Tassinari.
The Eastern States Exposition has a horse show and live show competition for animals. These events also happen on a daily basis, along with a hunter and saddle bridge show, Belgian, and clydesdale. Most days, this takes place in the Colosseum.
“The Farmorama is in the agricultural education building – young and old learn where [animals] come from.” Here, people are able to view chicks hatching and beekeeping. 4-H events will also take place throughout the duration of the fair.
Aside from the ongoing performances and attractions, the Big E will have their full complement of rides back.
On the other hand, what’s a Big E without the food? Tassinari said they will be debuting both traditional foods and new ones. She chooses for the new foods to remain a surprise until the fair is here.
“The Eastern States Exposition follows all COVID-19 guidelines and regulations put forth by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the town of West Springfield,” assured Tassinari. “We will be following whatever regulations are in place at the time.”
Hand sanitizer stations will be located throughout the fairgrounds along with the display of signs; encouraging people who are not vaccinated to wear a mask.
Tassinari said that since they’re back to full capacity, they will be creating and maintaining a clean environment.
Big E tickets are available for sale at a discount beginning on Aug. 19, until Sept. 15 at the Big Y in West Springfield. Typically, tickets sell at $15 for adults, however if purchased in advance, cost is $12.
For additional information on the Big E or to sign-up for their newsletter, visit thebige.com. As new shows are announced, they will be updated on this sites. Information can also be found on the Big E’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.
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