Sunday, September 20, 2009

Opening Day as Seen By Jon, the Marketing Intern

Opening Day as Seen By Jon, the Marketing Intern

I am sitting at my desk after quite a hectic morning of interviews and tasks. That’s to be expected, as our entire year revolves around these seventeen days. Almost the entire summer I am used to looking out and seeing an empty parking lot filled with a few dozen cars. Now I look out and see hundreds of people passing my window almost every few seconds. They’re fairgoers. Everyone who was willing to take some time off from school, work, or not in either one of those and had some free time, seems to be here. I see wheelchairs, baby carriages and backpackers. It’s a quite a stark contrast to the emptiness I have grown accustomed to. Right now there is a huge chipmunk, our mascot BiggiE, waving to a couple of people.

The entire structure of my job has changed. Things have gotten a whole lot busier with new and more exciting tasks. Right now I can hear an R & B Band playing on the Court of Honor Stage. Everyone who is here at the Fair, is here because they want to be, especially the fairgoers, employees, and who knows maybe even the sea lions and elephants. Running around and doing errands is something that I am really starting to enjoy about this new atmosphere, it gives me a chance to explore the fairgrounds and the people who make this Fair a reality; it gives me a very personal view of the Fair. It’s more than just a business, a job, or even a career. It’s about the people behind each of these things. This Fair is the people. those who, like me, this Fair is the first one I have ever worked at. Or maybe others who have been here for thirty or even fifty years. It’s about us, it is us. We are the Fair. We make it breathe, make it into more than just an idea on a wall and into a tangible event that draw over a million people.

We give it life in a way that an average amusement park, or even Disney World lack altogether. This isn’t just “a job” to us. We consider The Big E ours, a part of us and that each and every one of us who contributes to the Fair has a stake in, a part ownership in. We do our jobs with a sort of passion that is lacking on the bland expressions you find at one of the other “attractions.” It’s because we’re local and special. It’s because this day is just as special to us as it is to the fairgoer, we only get seventeen of these days rather than a whole season or year. This Fair, The Big E means something to us. We are about it.

We’re more than just co-workers here, we’re a fair family. We know everything about each other in a way that only years of companionship can procure from people. At the employee orientation about a week ago, it was more like a family reunion than an orientation. There were no bland expressions or bored dispositions. Everyone was in a very jovial mood, like they were seeing old friends, because in fact they were seeing old friends. It was a party, not with friends, but with family.

I guess this Fair is more than just a fair, it has become something more to each and every one of us, it’s become a part of ourselves.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Craz-E Burger is Crazy Delicious




This is the sandwich you have been dreaming of, a glorious and delicious combination of crispy bacon and tender burger with generous portion of melty gooey cheese sandwiched in between… a grilled glazed donut! What’s not to love and adore about this taste monstrosity? This motley crew of flavors and textures come into a perfect union in the form of the Craz-E Burger.

This special and one of a kind treat can be found at The Big E at the Big EZ Café which is located outside Door 7 of the Better Living Center.

The naming rights were won by Marty Brownsey of West Seneca, New York whose “Craz-E Burger” was chosen from a very competitive field of over four hundred individual Facebook entries. There were entries such as “Heart Attack on a Bun” and “The E-Normous.”

Although this burger can seem intimidating, if you are able to conquer it, your taste buds will thank you. Those who have tried it have not regretted it.

The taste combination is something quite unique and unexpectedly good considering the odd combination. The glaze is a perfect complement to the bacon and seems to harmonize the other ingredients. The flaky and golden donut is sweeter and more delicious from the hamburger roll you are used to and transforms the bland into the delicious. And what would a self-respecting burger be without bacon? You get two pieces of crispy, thin cut bacon on this burger.

Excitement and expectation are high as fairgoers will make their way from the entrance gates to the Big EZ Café in order to be the first to taste this most intriguing burger and decide for themselves whether it’s “over the top” or “just right.”

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Anticipation High for Big E Entertainment Lineup

With several artists sure to deliver the goods, The Big E’s entertainment lineup is promising to be one to remember. Artists are gearing up for the 2009 Fair, and drawing a great deal of anticipation and excitement from fans. With less than 3 weeks until Opening Day, artists are stirring up interest for what will be one of the major tour stops.

The only ticketed concert this year featuring the popular Country music band, Sugarland, sold out quickly. Since receiving the Breakthrough Favorite New Artist award at the American Music Awards in 2005, Sugarland has taken the Country music industry by storm. Radio and fans alike have embraced their singles, “Baby Girl,” “Something More,” “Settlin’,” “All I Want To Do” and “Stay.”

It’s an understatement to say that Sugarland has come a long way fast. They have been honored as the Academy of Country Music’s (ACM) 2009 Duo of the Year. They also won the Country Music Association’s 2008 Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group and Best Country Song for "Stay."

Sugarland has been touring all over the country, and recently performed in front of a sold out crowd at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Mass. With over 80,000 fans coming out to support Sugarland only a month before the band returns to Massachusetts, emotions will run high and excitement and enthusiasm will remain for one of the most popular Country bands in the nation.

Jamey Johnson is touring and will stop at The Big E on Sept. 27 in a free show. Johnson won the ACM song of the year with his hit single “In Color” and his new single, titled “My Way to You,” is climbing the charts. Rolling Stone described the song as “A guilt-scarred tune by Country’s top outlaw that begins like a honky-tonk hangover and ends like a hair-metal power ballad.”

Teen phenomenon Charice has also been generating excitement with a strong fan base located right here five thousand miles away from her native Manila in the Philippines. She is currently working on her first album under the direction of David Foster. Backed by the powerhouse of “The Hitman,” Charice is destined for major stardom.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Big E Food Expanding in Spectrum and Taste!

Ready to engage in glorious gluttony? Do you ever wonder what kind of restaurant offers everything, literally everything from burgers to chicken tandoori? Have you been dieting all year long just to splurge on our world class Fair food offerings? Sample the smorgasbord of tantalizing treats offered this year.

Lordy’s Elephant Ears have joined The Big E’s menu of edible delights. The dough is yeast-raised which results in a texture more like a glazed donut, similar to sweet pastry, rather than bread. You can choose from a variety of toppings including butter and cinnamon, powdered sugar, spicy apple and cinnamon, chocolate, cherry with powdered sugar and Bavarian cream. Mix a little “south-of-the-border-“ flare with a bit of the Lone Star State style and you get Chimichangas. This authentic Tex-Mex treat is made with a combination or rice, beans and beef wrapped into a flour tortilla. This perfect marriage of taste and texture will fill up the most adventurous fairgoer.

Also new are fried green beans. This mix of fried and garden cuisine is truly a taste and experience to behold, or rather consume. They form a delicious melody of the two opposite ends of the food pyramid and reaffirm the old adage that opposites do indeed attract. Just added is a unique set of burgers that you definitely won’t find at your local fast food joint. These include Elk Burgers, Chipotle Buffalo Burgers and Salmon Burgers, as well as Venison Sausage. These hearty offerings will form the backbone of any delicious meal.

For something a little creamy and cooler, you simply can't afford to miss out on delicious homemade pudding. Choose from a traditional bowl, crazy cone, or a heaping pudding sundae, complete with whipped cream and a cherry, all served in a fresh made waffle bowl. Also offered is “worms in dirt” a silly dish of gummy worms, pudding and chocolate “dirt”, that the kids will go wild for.

Our very own unique offering is the hallmark of The Big E’s cuisine. The Cream Puff is our signature dessert and is accompanied by The Big Eclair and The Big E Chocolate Chip cookie made with real Ghirardelli chocolate. Watch all three of the taste-tempting treats made on location in the Cream Puff Bakery, located in the New England Center.

International food will be on hand to spice up the Fair. Cuban sandwiches, yellow rice, fried pork, arepas and plantains will provide fairgoers with a little Latin American flare. The Chinese menu will boast lo mein, egg rolls and stir fry. Indian dishes will consist of chicken tandoori, shrimp vandaloo, channa, masala and naan. Have a taste of the “Old Country” with strombolis, pastas, and thin crust pizzas. Greek food is sure to make your mouth water with gyros, salads, and baklava.
We’ve made sure you won’t leave hungry!

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Triple Entente: Seether, Boyz II Men, and Lane Turner Complete Big E’s 09 Talent Lineup

The Big E is pleased to present the final three acts set to perform this year. Boyz II Men will go out on stage on 9/20 8 p.m. Lane Turner will perform 9/25 at 8 p.m. Seether will be the grand finale of the entire Fair, having been given the final spot, performing 10/4 7p.m. All shows will take place on the Comcast Stage Arena and are free to the public.

Boyz II Men is the most successful R&B male vocal group of all time, based on sales. They are the only group other than the Beatles to have replaced themselves at the top billboard position. Their hit “I’ll Make Love to You” was replaced by their next number one hit “On Bended Knee.” The group has sold over 50 million albums propelling them into the company of Nat King Cole, Oasis, ‘N Sync, and Nirvana.

Seether hails from Johannesburg, South Africa. The band had modest origins, yet the circumstances were prime for artistic freedom and experimentation and they began playing in coffee shops at local universities.

As testament and confirmation of their worldwide popularity and prominence, the band has sold well over 5 million copies of various albums to date. The band has permeated out into popular culture and had their song “Sold Me” featured on The World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE)’s major event Bad Blood in 2004. The very next year, “Remedy” was the hallmark song featured at the WWE’s SummerSlam event.

In 2008, Lane Turner was featured as a contestant on The Next GAC (Great American Country) Star. His traditional heritage and blue-collar roots made him a fan favorite. He was announced as the runner-up on the finale, not to shabby for a TV event watched by millions with thousands of contestants. But that’s not stopping him. “My track coach in college told me that the great thing I had was enthusiasm. I was excited. I was always there early, and I was always staying late. Because I loved it.” He just on the cusp of making it big time. This passion for his music and devotion to himself is what will keep propelling Lane Turner to the top and keep him there for a long while.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Entertainment Update for 2009

ACM News!

Congratulations to Big E ’09 headliners, Sugarland, Academy of Country Music “Duo of the Year” and to Jamey Johnson for his ACM Song of the Year award for “In Color.”

Sweet Addition to Comcast Arena Stage Line-Up

Sugarland, Academy of Country Music’s (ACM) 2009 Duo of the Year, Kristian Bush and Jennifer Nettles, will thrill audiences with new hits and their award-winning style.
The twosome has taken home numerous Country Music Association and American Music awards. Matt Nathanson will open the Oct. 2 show at 8 p.m.

Stay tuned as ticket information and the On Sale date become available. Please join our mailing list to receive information on this and other aspects of The Big E. Visit http://www.thebige.com/ to sign up.

Soon to be 17-year-old Charice has amazed audiences around the world with her larger than life voice and vibrant personality. She began on Little Big Star, a show loosely patterned after American Idol, which premiered on Filipino television in 2005. Since then, she has astonished viewers of the Ellen DeGeneres Show, Oprah and Good Morning America and has sung with renowned stars Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli. Charice belts out tunes from Pop to R&B to Soul, boasting an enormous, mature voice that knocks the socks off of anyone listening. See and hear for yourself! This free show takes place Friday, September 18 at 8 p.m.

British rock band, Foghat, shook up the blues-rock scene in the 70s with their dominating electric and electric slide guitar. Out of their five gold albums came hits “Fool For The City,” “I Just Wanna Make Love To You” and “Slow Ride,” which is featured on today’s ever popular Guitar Hero 3. While band mates have changed throughout the years, today, Charlie Huhn, Bryan Bassett, Craig MacGregor and Roger Earl rock crowds all over the nation with their Classic hits. Catch them free on Saturday, September 19 at 8 p.m.

Entertainment Update for Court of Honor Stage

Richard Street, former lead singer of the Temptations, Sept. 18 - 21, 3 & 8 p.m. – This former lead singer of Motown’s legendary Temptations brings original hits of the group along with other classic sensations from the Motown years.

Terry Sylvester of the Hollies, Sept. 22 - 26, 3 & 8 p.m. – Terry Sylvester performs hits from the Hollies, such as “Carrie Ann,” “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother,” “Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress” and “The Air That I Breathe.” In addition, Terry brings to the stage songs and stories from his early days when he collaborated with the Beatles and other popular groups of the 60s and 70s.

“Mack the Knife” The Music and Life of Bobby Darin
, Sept. 27 - 30, 3 & 8 p.m. – Chaz Esposito stars as Bobby Darin, performing the classic hit songs of the talented performer and icon of the 50s and 60s. Besides the famous hit "Mack the Knife," other Bobby Darin classics include "Splish Splash," "Dream Lover," "Beyond the Sea," "Things," "You're The Reason I'm Living" and "If I Were A Carpenter."

Thelma Houston, Oct. 1 - 4, 3 & 8 p.m. – Thelma Houston brings her hits, including “Don’t Leave Me This Way,” to The Big E. Never skipping a beat, the multi-talented singer, songwriter, actress and international performer gets audiences grooving to the R&B rhythm of her show.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Planning for the 2009 Big E is in Full Swing

Tickets are on sale online and at The Big E Box Office
and entertainment bookings are beginning to take shape.

Big E Tickets

Tired of the same old dozen roses and the same old boxes of chocolates? Spice up this Valentine’s Day with something new! Purchase tickets to The Big E and be sure to see your valentine smile. You’ll also be smiling when you save up to $5 for buying the tickets in advance. You can purchase adult and child tickets – for just one day or the entire seventeen days of the spectacular fair!

All with the click of a button, you can order your Big E tickets and print them right at home. September will be here before you know it and Valentine’s Day is just around the corner!

Click here to purchase your Valentine’s gift today!
V-day hugs and a fun-filled fair guaranteed.

Entertainment Taking Shape

The Stars of the Peking Acrobats will dazzle the Court of Honor stage, sponsored by Comcast, daily during the 2009 fair. Wire-walking, trick-cycling, tumbling, somersaulting, and gymnastics will, no doubt, stir the audience with excitement.

The Sea Lions are coming back to The Big E with a splash! The Sea Lion Splash show, sponsored by New Alliance Bank, is one wet and wild experience that you won’t want to miss. The only traveling sea lion show in the United States features the silliest sea lions trained by Surfer Joe that balance, catch and retrieve objects along with singing, dancing and doing handstands. Interact with the wacky sea creatures during their comedic act and also have your picture taken with the stars after the show!

Star of the Vh1 hit television series “Rock of Love,” Bret Michaels has rocked out as the lead singer/songwriter of the band Poison for 22 years, securing 15 Top 40 hits including the popular “Every Rose Has Its Thorn.” Branching out, Michaels has started his own film company, released 3 solo albums since 2003 and also won a 2008 BMI Award for his hit “Go That Far.” Catch him free on the Comcast Arena stage on October 3 at 8 PM.

Selling over a million copies of their first album The Road to Here, Little Big Town has seen chart topping days with the smash hits, “Boondocks,” “Bring It On Home,” “Good As Gone,” and “A Little More You.” Their newest compilation of songs comes in the form of A Place To Land, produced by Capitol Records Nashville. A product of a decade of deep friendship, Little Big Town has produced an intense countrified sound. Join the crooning foursome Saturday, September 26 at 8 PM as they perform free on the Comcast Arena Stage.

From writing songs for other stars to recording and performing on his own, Jamey Johnson has come a long way and is making his mark on the Country music world. Nominated for three 2009 Grammy Awards, Jamey was up against big names for Best Male Country Vocal Performance and Best Country Song for his “In Color” and Best Album for That Lonesome Song. This CD of original songs boasts a unique sound and crafty lyrics. You can find serious songs like “Angel” and “That Lonesome Song” to comedic tunes like “Mowin’ Down the Roses” and “Women.” Jamey tells the tales of his life through his music and invites you to the Comcast Arena Stage Saturday, September 27 at 7 PM to see him up close and personal!