Diet
For Immediate Release -- West Springfield, Mass.
THE BIG E DIET EXPANDS TO 6,000 CALORIES/DAY
It takes a lot of energy to visit The Big E, the giant six-state exposition in West Springfield, Mass., Sept. 14-30. It requires stamina to view the new Live Shark Experience, sponsored by NewAlliance Bank, go on the new Mutual of Omaha Wild Kingdom Adventure Tour, and visit The Big E Super Circus, sponsored by Coca-Cola, among other attractions. That's why a proper diet of, oh, let's say 6,000 calories a day is essential. That's just a mere snack for ultra-marathon runners or polar explorers, but just about right for touring New England's largest fair.
"We recommended a 5,000 calorie diet in 2006, but had this gnawing feeling in the pit of our stomachs that perhaps it just wasn't enough," says the Fair's Event Coordinator, Jessica Castro, who oversees food service. "This year, I think we've got the correct fairgoers' diet down pat. What's more, the majority of our food vendors are now frying in trans fat-free oils for their fried delicacies."
Ms. Castro recommends the following menu to ensure that visitors have enough fuel to last the day:
Start the day off right
Cinnamon roll (a sticky bun that'll stick to your ribs) 730
Deep fried Oreos (4) 320
Caramel apple (fruit is good for you) 298
Fuel up at lunch for a fun afternoon
Chili con carne with beans (great source of fiber) 340
Jumbo corn dog 375
Baked potato (14 oz.), butter and sour cream 426
SnoCone (without the syrup, it's just a cup of ice) 540
Have a tasty pre-dinner snack
Blueberry pie (one slice) 360
Cotton candy (the most fun you can have with sugar) 120
Eat a hearty dinner
Cream of broccoli in a bread bowl 639
Pork chop sandwich 229
Curly French fries 630
Sweetened lemonade (helps fight scurvy) 50
Fried cheesecake for dessert 406
Enjoy a post-dinner treat
Big E cream puff (a food group all its own) 618
Total calories in The Big E Diet 6,081
Sound like a lot of calories? Don't worry. There's so much to do during the 17-day Fair, you'll be sure to burn it off. Just don't forget to wear your elastic waistband pants.
Tickets are adults $12 weekdays and $15 weekends; Children ages 6-12 are $8 weekdays and $10 weekends. For advance discount tickets or more information visit www.thebige.com. Telephone: 413 737 2443.
Editor's note: Images of The Big E are available at www.thebige.com. Click Photo Gallery in the Media Center.