For Educators
In addition to the food, fun and ferris wheel, educational opportunities abound for children and adults of all ages at The Big E. From the agricultural side of the fair to the historical aspects of the Avenue of the States, there is something for everyone and plenty of knowledge to go around. The fairgrounds can be a great place to learn about everything from milking cows to discovering 19th century life at Storrowton Village Museum.
A traditional part of life in New England is agriculture, and The Big E presents a number of production livestock shows as well as 4-H and FFA events. In addition, for its largely urban and suburban audience, the Exposition provides a number of Ag Education opportunities. Children and adults can step into the Mallary Complex and take an educational self-guided excursion of the world of agriculture and livestock.
The Avenue of Agriculture in the Mallary Complex has everything an inquiring mind would like to know about agriculture and livestock. There is an exhibit complete with animated dairy products in a "refrigerator singing revue" which tunefully teaches folks all about nutrition. Free educational "Fact Sheets" are available for fairgoers with information on the 25 species of livestock exhibited at The Big E.
The Fiber Nook gives audiences the chance to see products made from animal crude fiber to finished clothing of both wool fiber and camelid fiber. Did you know that animal by-products are used in the making of vehicles? Learn all about the role animal by-products play in the automotive world at the "Ag in the Fast Lane" exhibit, also on the Avenue of Agriculture.
There are always numerous demonstrations happening too. Come see sheep shearing, goat milking and more.
There is even a butter sculpture exhibit where artist Jim Victor uses over 500 pounds of sweet cream butter to create a special scene! Come watch Jim over the course of his 10-day sculpting event as he designs his natural creation in a specially made cooler.
At the milking parlor, children and adults have the opportunity to learn about various aspects of dairy farming and milking cows. Spectators get the chance to watch the actual milking process and view an informative video about the dairy industry. You can't leave until you try a thick frosty milk shake or a cool glass of moo juice, both served at the Dairy Bar.
And speaking of milking cows, you might want to hone your milking skills at the mechanical cow exhibit in Farm-A-Rama. This fully-functioning life-size mechanical cow allows fairgoers to try their hand at milking a cow. Learn the proper milking techniques and then test your abilities and see how well you do.
And the fun doesn't stop there. Enter Farm-A-Rama and have another chance to experience agriculture. Learn about the growth of chicks while watching chicks actually hatch from their eggs! The Farm-A-Rama stage is where the audience gets to interact with the entertainers and test their agricultural knowledge. Don't forget to check out the Hallamore Clydesdales and learn about the care and grooming of these gentle giants or watch them get hitched for the Daily Parade.
Nestled in a quiet corner of Eastern States Exposition, Storrowton Village Museum offers the opportunity to glimpse a bit of life as it was in early 19th century New England. Clad in garb reflecting that of 160 years ago, volunteers guide visitors through the furnished rooms of Storrowton Village and are happy to assist with any questions. During The Big E, fairgoers can see what it was like to attend classes at the one-room school house, watch the blacksmith going about his daily work at the forge and witness demonstrations of traditional Early American crafts and trades. Early American Children's Games get kids involved in sack races, three-legged races, hoop rolling and more; a fun way to learn about life in a bygone era.
After living it up in the past, visitors can head over to the Avenue of the States and learn more about the six New England States. Take a self-guided tour of New England by visiting each regal state building along the Avenue and learn about the products, resources, geography, culture, native crops and foods of each state. Make the New England Center a stop on your educational tour where you'll find everything from fabric and fiber arts to The Big E Cream Puff and Elair. All entries from the Creative Arts Show will be on display as well as the entries in its special theme category.
The Horticultural Information Booth is also in the New England Center. Members of the Western Massachusetts Master Gardeners Association are here to answer questions and help you with your plant problems.
There are plenty of informative booths too. Register to vote at the Mass. Secretary of State's booth or come learn about how modern technology helps the deaf in their everyday lives in a "Deafining" Empowerment Booth sponsored by the Commission for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired.
The folks at Life Choice will be available to teach fairgoers about the "circle of life" and give kids a chance to meet a real lifesaving EMT.
Friendly 4-H youngsters will also be in the New England Center with games and craft activities for kids to make souvenirs to bring home to their families. Learn all about 4-H and the opportunities it offers to kids to learn about everything from gardening to raising livestock.
The Harvest New England Kitchen Theater, located in the Young Building, gives visitors a chance to learn all about cooking and perhaps even sample some of the tasty treats made by our guest chefs.
The Big E is full of educational and exciting events for people of all ages to enjoy. Everything from history to milking cows to crafts and New England culture can be found at The Big E. Come by and see what you can learn today.