Big E foods in ‘friendly rivalry’ for Agawam, West Springfield Lions

Date: 9/15/2022

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Do you want the chicken or the hot dog? Either way, you can eat well while doing good with hometown nonprofits at the Big E this month.

When the Eastern States Exposition opens its 17-day run on Sept. 16, the Lions Clubs from both West Springfield and Agawam will be there with grills blazing, serving food at eateries across the road from each other in the West Springfield fairground.

“It’s a friendly rivalry,” says Roger Jones, of the Agawam Lions.

This year will mark the Agawam Lions’ 60th year at the exposition. One of the more august vendors at the Big E, they’re sticking with what they know: barbecued chicken, cooked over a massive charcoal grill, that by the fair’s end will have consumed nearly 3 tons of charcoal grilling 160 half-chickens at a time.

The dinner special costs $18; $11 buys a sandwich with fries.
Meanwhile, with “only” a 43-year tenure at the Big E, the West Springfield Lions Club hopes its newest menu item, a “reuben hot dog,” will shake things up. The reuben hot dog is exactly what it sounds like: A bun with a dog, corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and 1,000 Island dressing. Mustard is optional. Price: $10.

The West Springfield Lions will also have their traditional burger and hot dog offerings, includng the signature “Flatliner” burger.

“I believe it was the top burger on the fair that year. And that’s something that we’re kind of known for now,” said Chett Zymroz, West Springfield Lions Club director. The Flatliner is a cheeseburger topped with chili, then another cheeseburger, then French fries, then a little more chili, served on a big hoagie roll. The price is $12.

Both clubs’ operations — based in clubhouses they use year-round, just around the corner from the Rhode Island end of the Avenue of the States — are entirely volunteer run by a combination of Lions Club members and people from the local community, many of whom are high school students.

“There’s probably around 300 people involved working four-hour shifts throughout the Big E,” said Zymroz of the West Springfield chapter.

Jones estimates Agawam’s volunteer staffing at a slightly lower number of people, around 180 volunteers working six-hour shifts.

There are a few perks for volunteering. Volunteers get free admission to the fair, a free shuttle ride to the grounds, and a Lions club meal. Volunteers are “free to do whatever they’d like, either before their shift or after their shift,” said Zymroz.

Additionally, for high schoolers, their volunteering also counts as credit toward receiving a scholarship. Last year, the Agawam Lions Club awarded eight $1,000 scholarships. West Springfield awarded nine $750 scholarships.

Besides scholarships and local charity, the Lions clubs also donate to the Massachusetts Lions Eye Research Fund, a cause that Lions International adopted on the advisement of Hellen Keller.

For both clubs, the Big E is their biggest fundraiser of the year and all proceeds — less the Big E’s cut — go towards their charitable initiatives. Zymroz said the West Springfield club pays the same fees as commercial vendors, while Jones told The Reminder that the Big E charges the Agawam club about 5 percent less as a service organization. A representative from the Big E did not respond to a request for comment by press time.

Both clubs were still seeking volunteers with a week to go before the fair. To volunteer with the West Springfield Lions, contact Chett Zymroz at 364-6270. To volunteer with the Agawam Lions, contact Harry Camyre at 977-0538.

The Big E runs Sept. 16 through Oct. 2, open from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, on the fairground at 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for children ages 6-12, free for children 5 and under. Ticket prices drop to $8 after 5 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays. Senior tickets (ages 60 and over) are $12 Sundays through Thursdays. On-site parking is $10 per vehicle, at Gate 9 (875 Memorial Ave.) only. Off-site parking is available at neighboring properties at varying costs.

The Salute to West Springfield, with a parade featuring the West Springfield High School band and local dignitaries, is Sept. 19. The Salute to Agawam, with a parade featuring the Agawam High School Band and officials from that town, is Sept. 28.