Overview
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- West Springfield, Mass. -- August, 2009
NEW ENGLAND'S LARGEST FAIR PREPARES FOR
17 DAYS OF FUN AND ENTERTAINMENT - UPDATED 8/28/09
The 2009 edition of The Big E will present over $1.7 million in free entertainment, a ticketed concert featuring Sugarland, as well as the new 007 James Bond Spiral Stunt Car Exhibit, sponsored by Uncommon USA, the Mardi Gras Parade, sponsored by Foxwoods Resort Casino, a return visit of Sea Lion Splash, sponsored by NewAlliance Bank, The Big E Super Circus, sponsored by Coca-Cola, rides, crafts, tantalizing treats, animals and the best of the old and new that fairgoers have come to expect and enjoy. The Big E, located in West Springfield, Mass., takes place Sept. 18 - Oct. 4, 2009.
"We're thrilled that the award-winning Country duo, Sugarland, will grace our Comcast Arena Stage. Packaged with the stunt car from James Bond's "Man with a 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 of The Big E," said ESE President Wayne McCary.
The Fair opens Friday, Sept. 18 with Be-A-Kid-For-A-Day - all ages pay the children's price of $8 - and Military Appreciation Day, honoring the men and women of the armed services - free admission for military personnel and dependents with ID, as well as veterans with ID (copy of DD-214 or proof of membership to any veterans' organization).
FEEL THE BEAT
This year's Big E will feature a major ticketed concert on the Comcast Arena Stage - Sugarland with special guest Matt Nathanson - scheduled for Friday, October 2 at 8 p.m. The show is sold out.
Free concerts on the Comcast Arena Stage include:
Charice - "The Little Girl with the Big Voice" - Fri., Sept. 18 at 8 p.m.
Foghat - British Classic Rock band - Sat., Sept. 19 at 8 p.m.
An Evening with Boyz II Men - Four-time GRAMMY winners - Sun., Sept. 20 at 7 p.m.
Lane Turner, presented by GAC - Rising Country star - Fri., Sept. 25 at 8 p.m.
Little Big Town - "Boondocks" - Sat., Sept. 26 at 8 p.m.
Jamey Johnson - 2009 ACM Song of the Year, "In Color," Sun., Sept. 27 at 7 p.m.
Bret Michaels Rock of Love Tour - Sat., Oct. 3 at 8 p.m.
Seether - L.A. based Rock band - Sun., Oct. 4 at 7 p.m.
Appearing free on the Court of Honor Stage, sponsored by Comcast:
Stars of the Peking Acrobats - daily at 11 a.m., 1 and 6:30 p.m.
Richard Street, former lead singer of The Temptations - Sept. 18 - 21
Terry Sylvester, formerly of The Hollies - Sept. 22 - 26
"Mack the Knife" The Music and Life of Bobby Darin - Sept. 27 - 30
Thelma Houston - Oct. 1-4
Show times are at 3 and 8 p.m.
The Storrowton Gazebo, sponsored by Big Y® World Class Market®, will feature Jessie and James' Mutts Gone Nuts, a husband and wife duo who combine humor, juggling and antics with their dogs, Sept. 18 - 26, and Hilby, known worldwide as the Skinny German Juggle Boy, juggles a variety of items often riding a unicycle and engaging the audience, Sept. 27 - Oct. 4. All show times are daily at 11 a.m., 2 & 6:30 p.m. (no 11 a.m. show on Sunday, Sept. 20).
EXPLORE MORE
Ladies and gentlemen, children of all ages! The Big E Super Circus, sponsored by Coca-Cola, will astonish you with the best entertainers to perform under the Big Top. The Fair's own free, one-ring, European-style circus stars the Flying Pages, who will amaze you with their thrilling, high-flying act. You'll be astounded by The Electrifying Elayne, who shoots a bow and arrow with her toes, Alesya's Hula Hoops with her multi-hula-hoop-spinning act, and the acrobatic adagio of Duo Voltart! Neecha's Dobermans, comedian Coco, and the impressive Big E Super Circus Elephants will also be on the marquee, led by Ringmaster Joseph D. Bauer. Three shows daily at 1, 4 & 7 p.m.
Fairgoers can also enjoy the Circus Museum, located in the Hampden County Building, featuring miniature scale recreations of circus wagons, carousels, acrobats, a side show announcer, hand-painted banners and memorabilia as well as a hand carved replica of Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus tent show of 1946. The New England Band Organ, inside Gate 4, is an old time favorite among fairgoers of all ages. Take home the music of this spectacular instrument on CD volumes I, II and III.
See the 007 James Bond Spiral Stunt Car Exhibit, sponsored by Uncommon USA, in the Young Building, featuring the actual red 1974 AMC Honda hatchback that performed the historic "Astro Spiral" 360° jump in James Bond's "Man with the Golden Gun," which was completed in one take during filming. Its creator, collector Jay Milligan, who continues to keep the secret of the "corkscrew" jump, will make a special appearance on Opening Day, Sept. 18. The exhibit also features artifacts and memorabilia from the iconic movie series from his collection.
Sea Lion Splash, sponsored by NewAlliance Bank, returns with one wet and wild experience that you won't want to miss. The only traveling sea lion show in the United States features the antics of graceful sea lions, trained by Surfer Joe. Watch them balance, catch and retrieve objects as well as sing, dance and perform handstands. The icons of the show are rescued sea lions that could not be returned to the wild due to injury or age and now have a permanent home. This entertaining, educational show is located at the north end of the Avenue of States. Show times are Monday - Friday, noon, 3:30 & 7:30 p.m. with an additional 10:30 a.m. show on Saturday and Sunday.
Visit The L'Oréal Paris Color Space, a 5,000 sq. ft. interactive beauty pavilion, to learn firsthand about the latest trends and products for skin, hair and nail care. Make a one-on-one appointment for a skin analysis and skin consultations from estheticians. Get inside tips from make-up artists. Give yourself a full manicure and more. Expert advice on care and grooming for men will also be offered.
Music, lights and bead-tossing revelers thrill crowds from atop our authentic floats in the Mardi Gras Parade, sponsored by Foxwoods Resort Casino, Mon. - Fri. at 7:30 p.m. and with the 5 p.m. Daily Parade's marching units, animals, bands and other surprises on Sat. & Sun.
SAVOR THE FLAVOR
Back to entice your sweet tooth is the original Big E Cream Puff. And if that's not enough sugary satisfaction, try the popular Big Eclair and Big E Chocolate Chip Cookie. All these treats are made on location in The Big E Cream Puff Bakery, located in the New England Center. New this year to tempt your tastebuds - Lordy's Elephant Ears, Frozen Custard, from Amy's Sweet Treats; Chimichangas, from Crazy Rod's Mexican canteen; Dr, Vegetable's Fried Green Beans, Down Home Rice Pudding's parfait, cones, sundaes, custards, Diabetic Delight Rice Pudding, and "Worms in Dirt," gummy worms mixed in a creamy blend of pudding and cookie crumbs; Yankee Boy's Elk, Chipotle Buffalo and Salmon Burgers, and Venison Sausage; Pretzel Bites with dipping sauces, Margaritas and Mojitos, from Xena's Pub; and designer waffles from The Waffle Hut.
Other Big E favorites from the New England region and around the world include baked potatoes, lobster dinners, Italian, Latin, Indian and Greek specialties, maple syrup, kettle corn and fried cheesecake.
For a memorable sit-down meal, visit historic Storrowton Tavern. Heroes and Legends, a 60s-themed diner in the Young Building, and the Italian Pavilion near the Flag Plaza offer casual dining experiences. While you're at the Italian Pavilion, try the Italian buffet, new Sushi Bar or one of our special varieties of martinis created with V-One Vodka at The Big E Martini Bar.
This year's recipe contest, the Hidden Valley® Dressings "Fresh Taste for the Family" Recipe Contest, takes place Tuesday, Sept. 29 at 11 a.m. in the New England Center.
The winners of this year's Big E Northeast Gold Wine Competition and the second annual Big E Gold Medal Cheese Competition will be on display in the Young Building throughout the Fair. Taste some of the winning cheeses!
LLAMAS AND COWS AND PIGS - OH MY!
The Big E's roots are in agriculture and that tradition continues today by hosting competitions for prize-winning animals from across the country in the largest livestock show in the East.
For those who have not had the experience of farm life, or those who can't get enough of the outdoors, from milking cows to picking pumpkins, The Big E offers a wide variety of exhibits. In the Mallary Complex and Farm-A-Rama, animal lovers will observe cows, pigs, sheep, llamas, a chick hatching exhibit and a rabbit exhibit, among many other animals.
Through the Seasons: The New England Farmers' Year, a special exhibit in Farm-A-Rama, explores the work of the farm through the chores of the seasons, the tools and crops, the almanacs and beliefs that make this region special, using images, photographs, farm periodicals and the words of men and women who lived the agrarian life.
Don't forget to visit the Butter Sculpture, sponsored by Massachusetts Dairy Farmers/Massachusetts Dairy Promoters Board, in the Mallary Rotunda and learn about nutrition with the Singing Refrigerator and 3-A-Day Game Show, both sponsored by the New England Dairy Promotion Board, in the Mallary Complex.
People will also have the opportunity to view the amazing work of farmers who truly have a "green thumb" and have grown giant pumpkins and squash, some weighing more than 1,000 pounds. Spinning, weaving and milking are some of the demonstrations that will be presented throughout the Fair.
Woven into the little experiences that make The Big E memorable are traditions that have been a part of The Big E for many years. The Eastern States Exposition Horse Show, sponsored by Williams Distributing, is an A-Rated show which features Saddlebreds, Hackneys, Morgans and Friesians, Sept. 17-20; The Big E Draft Horse Show, Sept. 24-27, with the $30,000 Big E Six-Horse Hitch Showdown; and Hunters & Jumpers, Hunt Seat Equitation, Sept 30-Oct. 4.
The 4-H Horse Show will take place Sept. 23-26. Sheep Dog trials are Sept. 28 & 29 in the Coliseum.
Fairgoers can also enjoy exhibits of animal power with competitions in Horse Pulling, Sept. 21, and Ox Pulling, Sept. 22.
CAPTURE THE PAST
Storrowton Village Museum is an authentic reconstructed 19th-century, New England village arranged around a classic Village green. Special activities planned on the green for the Fair include 19th-century craft demonstrations, children's games and tours of its historic buildings.
GET YOUR CRAFT ON
A stop at the New England Center will take you into a world of handcrafted treasures, edible and enjoyable. The Exposition's annual Creative Arts contests include: Fiber Arts, with entries and winners on display throughout the Fair; Cake Decorating, Sept. 22, with judging at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.; and Photography, with winning photos on display throughout the Fair. NEW! Trashionable Fashion, Sept. 23 and Oct. 1, clothing and accessories made of recycled materials. If you are skilled in sewing, quilting, knitting, crocheting, beading, decorative painting on fabric, hand weaving and other needlework, you will love this year's display. This year's special theme is "Colors of Autumn." Demonstrations are held daily.
TAKE A WALK THROUGH NEW ENGLAND
The Avenue of States is a broad boulevard featuring replicas of each New England state capitol. Owned and operated by each state, visitors can literally stroll through the region dining on native foods and learning about products, crafts and tourism.
SHOP 'TIL YOU DROP
The Big E offers an extraordinary shopping experience. The Better Living Center is full of the latest in gadgets, cookware, electronics, jewelry, clothing and specialty foods. Hampden Avenue and Craft Common offer the serious shopper a cornucopia of creative handmade crafts and "one-of-a-kind" items. Don't wait until March to let your Irish show. Just around the corner, the Irish Exhibit in the Young Building will offer the best of Ireland from authentic Irish linens, crystal and jewelry to music, dancing and art. Be sure to make time for a stop at the Guinness Irish Pub for a true taste of the Emerald Isle. Then continue your tour as you shop for products and specialty items from around the world in the International Plaza. Look for spas, gazebos and items large and small, indoors and out. Don't miss the Storrowton Village Gift Shop for collectibles, the Christmas Shop in Potter Mansion and the Yankee Candle Shop in the Grange Building.
AND THERE'S MORE...
Daily fairtime favorites include: a ride down the Giant Slide, the Mechanical Man who roams the fairgrounds with his hydraulic-like movements, Commerford's Petting Zoo, sponsored by Rondeau Ice and Dairy Bar and Early American Children's Games in Storrowton Village.
SAVE, SAVE, SAVE; BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW!
Advance discount tickets, 17-Day Value Passes and Midway Magic vouchers are sold at Big Y® World Class Markets®, online at TheBigE.com and at The Big E Box Office, now through Sept. 16.
Advance tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children ages 6-12. Advance 17-Day Value Passes are $35 for adults and $23 for children ages 6-12. Advance Midway Magic Passes are $20, valid any one day Mon. - Thurs.
Opening Day Discounts - Sept. 18
- Be A Kid For A Day - all ages pay the children's price of $8
- Military Appreciation Day - free admission for military personnel and their dependents with ID, as well as veterans with ID (copy of DD-214 or proof of membership to any veterans' organization).
- Five-After-Five - Admission is just $5 after 5 p.m.
- Senior Days - $10 - age 60 and over
Travel by bus to The Big E - The Big E has partnered with King Ward Coach Lines to provide bus service to the Fair daily from West Springfield hotels and weekends from the Holyoke Mall.
General Big E hours are 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Storrowton Village Gift Shop and the Yankee Candle Shop are open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Village Craft Area is open until 10 p.m. The North American Midway is open Sun. - Fri., 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sat., 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Oct. 4 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Avenue of States hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
For tickets, show times and detailed information, visit www.TheBigE.com.
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Editor's Note: All press releases and photos are available on TheBigE.com/media.