October at The Big E

Cool weather settles on the fairgrounds and while The Big E is over, Eastern States Exposition is still busy with a full calendar of year-round events.

In the Marketing office, end of The Big E traditions need to be wrapped up. In early October, the department hosts a “Thank-you” party where employees are invited to a relaxing evening of great food, beverages and dancing. Much planning went into the party and this year’s event was a great success; people stayed after the music ended and the lights were turned up.

Elsewhere on the grounds, Storrowton Village Museum welcomes school groups as they take a trip to our past. The Museum offers field trips where can experience, learn and enjoy the simplicity of life in by-gone days.

Currently, near the Coliseum, beautiful horses trot in the warm-up ring preparing for the New England Equitation Championships that will begin tomorrow. The show will take place in the Coliseum from 8:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. October 16-19. Throughout the rest of the month, three dog shows, the New England Snowmobile Expo and Power Sport Show and Storrowton’s Tales of Haunted New England will take place on the grounds. November will start a whole new set of events highlighted by the Ideas for Living Home Show and Equine Affaire® as the grounds are never simply empty.

A complete schedule of year-round events can be found here.

Check back often for information on Exposition happenings and events leading up to The Big E.

Seventeen days flew by, as the 2008 Big E comes to an end.

Out my office window, an empty lot spotted by buildings sits desolate in the rain. It’s hard to imagine that three days ago this place was alive with the sights and sounds of The Big E. The stages have been taken down and the vendors have packed up and moved out. Left here are the memories of a great Fair and anticipation for next year.

Closing night, Fergie performed on the Comcast Arena Stage. In true “Glamorous” style, The Dutchess put on a spectacle of dancing and singing for fans of all ages.

During a pre-show meet and greet, Fergie posed for pictures with lucky fans.

ESE President Wayne McCary with Fergie
Fergie with Ambra from The Big E Super Circus

Throughout the seventeen days, Agriculture flourished at The Big E.

As is tradition:

Chicks hatched in Farm-A-Rama.

Butter became Art outside the Mallary Complex

And the Hallamore horses displayed their giant beauty.

Food never lacks at the Fair!

Pot Roast Sundaes melted in fairgoers mouth, bringing comfort food to the Fair.

The traditional fried food on a stick tickled taste buds of all ages.

And Big E Cream Puffs covered faces and clothes with heavenly goodness.

As the 2008 Big E season comes to an end, Fair memories keep us excited for next year!!
Plans are already in the works for the 2009 Big E, and hopefully Sugarland can reschedule their cancelled show here for next year.

New England’s Autumn Tradition will take place next year from September 18 to October 4, 2009.


The Big E extends thanks to its office blogger, college intern Beth

(pictured with Cream Puff above).

Last night of the 2008 Big E

It’s the last day of the Fair, and the sun is shining over the grounds. Tonight, Fergie will grace the Comcast Arena Stage bringing this year’s fabulous entertainment to an end. Unfortunately, due to an illness, Sugarland was unable to perform last night, but all of the other shows went off without a hitch.

Here’s a recap of the past seventeen days of entertainment:
Natasha played opening night in the rain to faithful fans.

Former Bad Company Lead Singer Brian Howe followed Saturday night

Sunday, Danity Kane rocked the stage drawing masses of screaming fans.

Local sensation Ashley Gearing brought a country twang Friday the 19th.

American Idol Jordin Sparks captured attention Saturday evening.

Jason Aldean played Sunday the 21st following opener LoCash Cowboys

Friday the 26th, rain cleared up to allow LeAnn Rimes to perform.

Fergie will finish the entertainment line-up tonight as the Fair comes to an end.

Welcome One and All the The Big E Super Circus

Monday, I had the privilege of witnessing the agility, strength and courage that is hidden underneath the Big Top.

Opening the show, the Flying Pages climbed flimsy ladders to the top of the tent, so high up that I had to tilt my head all the way back to see. The music started and the girls in flashy costumes began swinging across the room holding only a small bar. Flipping off of the trapeze, the girls jumped into the arms of the “catola” hanging upside down across the tent. Eighteen year-old Anthony Pays did a triple somersault and his ten year-old sister flew from the very top of the tent.

Check out some pictures from their act.







Next in line, dogs of all sizes came running out from behind a curtain. These dogs, who all have been rescued from animal shelters, can perform tricks that you have to see to believe. Leaping through hoops and performing handstands are only a few of these k-9’s talents. The show even included “high-diving daredevil doggie,” who leaped from a platform into the arms of his trainer below.

Check out some pictures of these performing pooches.

After the dogs left the stage, Duo Fusion entered with a display of great strength and balance.

Following Duo Fusion, Sylvia Zerbini entered the ring with her eight white beauties. Her act involved demonstrations of the horses' abilities and her own acrobatic feats.

More? Of course. Two girls can fit into a box no larger than a microwave. Check this out.

Following the girls in a box, the circus elephants finished the show. These African beauties only seem larger when you get that close to them. Even the five year old was enormous!!!

The Big E Super Circus is a sight to be seen!! Check out one of the three daily shows: 1, 3 and 7 P.M.

The Big E Cake Decorating Contest

You can have your cake and eat it too!

Check out some of the entries to this year’s Big E cake decorating contest.
The 2008 Theme was THE BIG E: Fun at the Fair.

Winner of PM. contest

Winner of AM. Contest

Which cake is your favorite?

Jordin Sparks at The Big E

This American Idol drew quite the crowd Saturday night as she performed at The Big E.
Jordin Sparks entertained a full house of screaming fans who didn’t mind waiting in line for a few hours to get into the show.
Her clear and booming voice filled the Comcast Arena Stage and fans of all ages danced and sang along with Sparks’ chart-topping hits.

A few lucky fans got to meet Sparks backstage after the show. Her model-like height made even tall fans seem short.
Have you seen Jordin Sparks in concert or at The Big E? Share your stories!!

The Big E is in full swing with a great stretch of sunny, fall-like weather ahead.

Last night, Springfield native, Ashley Gearing performed on the Comcast Arena Stage. Her own songs were complimented by a cover of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing,” where she captivated the audience with her phenomenal voice. Only 17, Ashley “came home” to play an amazing show for a great crowd of fans.

Jordin Sparks will perform tonight, September 20, 2008, on the Comcast Arena Stage following in the footsteps of other American idols. “One Step at a Time,” Sparks has risen to the top of pop-music charts with hits like “Tattoo.” Showtime is at 8 P.M., free with admission to the Fair.

Tickets are still available for An Evening with Fergie. The Dutchess herself will perform Sunday, September 28 at 7P.M. on the Comcast Arena Stage. Tickets are available at TheBigE.com.

Two girls squeezed into a box not much larger than a microwave….Can’t imagine that! Check them out at this year’s Big E Super Circus.

What were your favorite parts of The Big E this year?