Big E preps for 'last blast of summer'

Date: 7/27/2010

July 28, 2010

By Katelyn Gendron

Reminder Assistant Editor

WEST SPRINGFIELD -- This summer isn't going to end without a bang! Visit the 2010 Big E and you'll experience "the last blast of summer."

There's just eight weeks until the 2010 Big E and those at Eastern States Exposition (ESE) and Storrowton Village Museum are hard at work to make sure that this year's festival is "the one you wait for."

"This [year's theme] evolved from a feeling that people aren't anxious for summer to be over and with this is the last hurrah for the summer season," Noreen Tassinari, director of marketing for ESE, said.

Attractions will include all of the traditional landmarks including the rides on the Midway, the tours at Storrowton Village Museum, the Big Eclair, the Mardi Gras Parade, 175 acres of shopping and the unique vendors along the Avenue of States.

New this year will be performances by Owl City, Maranda Lambert and Kriyss Grant, a BMX show, "Maximum Velocity" and an exhibit from the Musicians Hall of Fame featuring some of the most iconic memorabilia in music history, according to Tassinari.

"Back by popular demand is the Skinny German Juggle Boy," she added.

Foods on the menu will include the debut of frozen hot chocolate as well as myriad fried items including jelly beans, butter or garlic butter, Snickers, peanut butter and jelly with or without bananas and chocolate chip cookie dough bits.

Dennis Picard, director of Storrowton Village Museum, said he's still seeking volunteers for the 2010 Big E to join the volunteer core that's 150 strong.

He noted training would begin next month and would include the museum's general history, policy, artifacts and costuming. Each potential volunteer will be inter-viewed prior to training to gauge interests such as working in the blacksmith's shop, gift shop, school house or other buildings.

To volunteer at Storrowton during the Big E, call the museum at 205-5051.

For additional information about the 2010 fair, visit www.thebige.com.