The Big E plans on being a 'stay-cation' destination

Date: 8/4/2009

By Katelyn Gendron

Reminder Assistant Editor



WEST SPRINGFIELD - Eastern States Exposition (ESE) is two months away from welcoming millions to the 2009 Big E, but officials aren't waiting until the last minute to throw the festivities together - they're already set to go.

This year's fair, running Sept. 18 to Oct. 4, will have the typical razzle-dazzle shows and concerts, such as a performance by Sugarland, paired with some obscure and fresh events.

"We're thrilled that the award-winning country duo, Sugarland, will grace our Comcast Arena Stage," Wayne McCary, president of ESE, said. "Packaged with the stunt car from James Bond's 'Man with the Golden Gun' and other 007 memorabilia, a return of the Sea Lion Splash and a fair full of other great entertainers, exhibits, agricultural competitions and demonstrations, there's a great time for all at the 2009 edition for The Big E."

Those planning this year's Big E are not phased by the present economic recession, Catherine Pappas, Director of Marketing, said, adding that they anticipate more people to turn to the fair as part of their local "stay-cations."

"We have an affordable family event here at The Big E and we hope that the economy [works] in our favor," she said.

Pappas noted that several money-saving options will be available this year, including advance ticket sales - $10 for adults and $8 for children ages six to 12 - and special one-day promotions for kids, seniors and military personnel. Gate admission is $5 after 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

The price of admission will include free concerts and shows such as performances by Boys II Men on Sept. 20, Bret Michaels on Oct. 3 and Seether on Oct. 4, as well as daily shows by the Stars of the Peking Acrobats and the Sea Lion Splash. Sugarland will head the lineup of paid concerts.

New events to The Big E include the 007 James Bond Spiral Stunt Car Exhibit, the L'Oreal Paris Color Space and the "Trashionable Fashion" competition.

The L'Oreal Paris Color Space will be an interactive beauty school where fairgoers may learn beauty tips for their skin, hair and nails during one-on-one sessions.

The "Trashionable Fashion" competition for eco-conscious designers will take place on Sept. 23 and Oct. 1 in the New England Center. Designers will show their collections, which must be created using 90 percent recycled material.

Familiar events for fairgoers will include visits to the Cream Puff Bakery and the Avenue of States and Storrowton Village Museum, as well as butter sculpting, rides on the midway and The Big E Super Circus.

Daily admission to the 2009 Big E is $12 for adults and $8 for children Monday through Thursday and $15 for adults and $10 for kids Friday through Sunday. The 17-Day Value Pass costs $40 for adults and $26 for children.

For more information about the fair or to buy advance tickets, visit www.thebige.com or call The Big E information line at 205-5115.