Task 38 – Eastern States Exposition – Big E (West Springfield, MA)

(38) Visit 10 Festivals of Fairs (10/20)
Festival: Big E
Location: West Springfield, MA

Website: www.thebige.com

When: September 15, 2012

Rating: 4 - Stars

The Eastern States Exposition’s Big E isn’t just a fair held every year; it is a New England Tradition. Every year it amazes people of all ages and interests and reminds them why New England is such a great place to live.

This year the show lived up to its rich history and offered great events. My favorite event by far is the Big E Super Circus hosted by Ringmaster Ty McFarlan. The lineup for 2012 includes the exceptional Perky Pekes by David Rosaire.  He starts the shows with his lovable dogs that perform tricks in this comedic routine.  

Next we were amazed by the net free aerial acrobatics of the Marino’s.  Griorgio and Luisa perform a graceful routine while suspended at the top of the circus tent.

Of course what circus would be complete without a clown and comedian Mark Gindick who reprises the role of Grandma for his light hearted geriatric exercise routine. His use of the audience as unwilling props always gets a great crowd reaction.

The most amazing display of pure strength, balance and endurance came from Anton and Adam of Duo A&A who performed a series of hand to hand balancing to create graceful human sculpture that defied gravity.

The energetic Dany Daniel and Edina show a dynamic display of balance and equilibristic abilities as they stack tubes and platforms in a human form of jenga without ever falling.

The circus is rounded out by the annual sphere of fear and this year it included a cage sphere thunderdrome with 4 of the Big E Thrill Riders who at times are all inside the small sphere propelling themselves around it without colliding

Of course the Big E is so much more than just the circus. Another favorite of mine is the Better Living building. Here you will find a variety of house ware items that claim to make the home experience more exciting, healthier, and easier. One of my favorite displays is the Vitamix demonstration. It is hear you can learn how this super powered blender can make everything from hot soup, ice cream, salsa, peanut butter and more with nothing but fresh wholesome ingredients. If you don’t need a blender that’s ok because you can get anything you could ever imagine needing in or around your home in this one place.

There is also the Young Building where you can learn a little about farming in the New England states. Here you will come up close and personal with goats, chickens, and of course the Hallamore Horses.  These mighty horses are a stunning juxtaposition to the freshly hatched baby chickens who share the building.

If excitement is more your speed you can enjoy the motocross event at the Comcast Arena where daredevil moto cross riders perform stunning jumps while doing some acrobatics in the air.

Or if you want to be part of the action you can enjoy the enormous selection of carnival rides. Be forewarned that they are not cheap but try to sucker you in with a modest ticket price of $1.25 per ticket. What they don’t tell you is that each ride is between 4 – 6 tickets.

All that made me hungry and the Big E doesn’t disappoint with their selection of fair foods. You can pick up a fair favorite cream puff or stop at any of the many food stalls for everything from a corn dog to a sausage sandwich. Or if you want something a little nicer stop by Storrowton for a beer in the Sam Adams Beer Garden and have a bite to eat as well.

One thing to remember is that this event is designed to showcase not just Massachusetts where it is hosted but all of the New England States. It is the only place of its kind where you can visit each state in less than 20 minutes. Every state is not only represented in the form of building designed to replicate each state house along the Avenue of the States but each building is actually the property of the respective state. You can buy state lotto tickets and find food and goods that represent each state.

Daily they also have a parade that goes around the fair grounds and includes floats and representatives from the daily groups being honored. Today it was the 4H and FFA who were honored.

The Big E runs for 3 weekends and you should plan to spend at least a full day. Be open minded and wear comfortable shoes because a good deal of walking is involved.

 

 

 

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