Countdown to Big E begins


Fergie Reminder Publications submitted photo

By Katelyn Gendron

Reminder Assistant Editor

WEST SPRINGFIELD As soon as the last ride had been packed up and the final batch of Big E Cream Puffs had been devoured last year, those at Eastern States Exposition began the long 365-day journey back to The Big E.

With only 45 days until the next Big E Fair, those on the grounds are hard at work putting together the finishing touches on a variety of events, both new and old, sure to surprise and entertain fairgoers.

"We've created a diverse and fun-filled package of performances, exhibits, agricultural competitions and demonstrations," Wayne McCary, president of the Eastern States Exposition, said.

From Fergie's "London Bridge" to the comedic, crowd-pleasing Sea Lion Splash, to the delectable Big clair, to the sensational Mardi Gras Parade and the historic wonders of Storrowton Village Museum, The Big E will electrify the senses for 17 days straight beginning Sept. 12.

"Each year our director of entertainment, John Juliano, really has his finger on the pulse of the entertainment world," Catherine Pappas, director of marketing for Eastern States Exposition, said. "He tries to bring groups that are not only popular or hot but reach all demographics. We try to please as wide a mix of music tastes as possible."

Natasha Bedingfield will open the fair's Comcast Arena Stage on the first night of the fair, followed by Sugarland on Sept. 27 and Fergie on Sept. Sept. 28. Free musical entertainment throughout the fair will include Brian Howe, Danity Kane from MTV's "Making the Band 3," "American Idol" winner Jordin Sparks, LeAnn Rimes and '80s pop icon Tiffany.

Other events throughout the fair's 12 days include The Big E Super Circus, Cultura 2008, a day celebrating Hispanic culture and the Sea Lion Splash, a show starring rescued sea lions performing tricks and comedy for people of all ages. Those in attendance can also have photos taken of the sea lions on their shoulders.

The Big E will also feature a variety of exhibits this year, including American Circus Posters, which will feature over 60 posters and photographs of circus life from Ringling Brothers to Cirque du Soleil.

Contests will include the Pillsbury Refrigerated Pie Crust Pie Baking Championship and the Hidden Valley Dressings "Fresh Taste for the Family" Recipe Contest.

The fair will also feature a variety of animals for those unfamiliar with farm life at Farm-A-Rama at the Avenue of Agriculture or at the Eastern States Exposition Horse Show.

Also making another appearance this year are the famous staples of The Big E: the Big E Cream Puff, The Big clair and the Big E Chocolate Chip Cookie at the Cream Puff Bakery inside the New England Center.

Tickets for The Big E Fair are currently being sold online at www.TheBigE.com. Advanced tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children ages six to 12. Advanced value passes cost $35 for adults and $23 for children. Gate admission is $12 for adults on weekdays and $15 on weekends and $8 for children on weekdays and $10 on weekends. Value passes sold at the gate will cost $40 for adults and $26 for children.

Seniors can purchase their tickets at the gate Monday through Thursday for $10 each.

The fair will run daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

For additional travel information to the fair, such as PVTA routes, King Ward Coach Lines or the Peter Pan ShowBus go to www.thebige.com/bus-it.