Opening day at the Big E 2012

WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Mass Appeal) - Friday kicked off New England's Great State Fair, The Big E, and Mass Appeal was there for all the action!

Seth caught up with President Eugene Cassidy, Special Events Director John Juliano, Dennis Picard, Director of Storrowton Village Museum and Randy Burns, The Mechanical Man!

The Big E
September 14th - September 30th

1305 Memorial Avenue (Rte. 147)
West Springfield, MA
(413) 205 – 5115
www.thebige.com
 

BIG E SPECIAL AND STATE DAYS:

• Friday, Sept. 14 - Be A Kid For A Day/Military Appreciation Day
• Saturday, Sept. 15 - 4-H & FFA (Future Farmers of America) Day
• Sunday, Sept. 16 - Storrowton Day / Salute to Girl Scouting
• Monday, Sept. 17 - Salute to West Springfield
• Tuesday, Sept. 18 - Rhode Island Day & Salute to Holyoke
• Wednesday, Sept. 19 - Connecticut Day
• Thursday, Sept. 20 - Massachusetts Day
• Friday, Sept. 21 - New Hampshire Day
• Saturday, Sept. 22 - Vermont Day & Trustees' Day
• Sunday, Sept. 23 - Grange Day
• Monday, Sept. 24 - Salute to Springfield
• Tuesday, Sept. 25 - Salute to Chicopee
• Wednesday, Sept. 26 - Salute to Agawam
• Thursday, Sept. 27 - Salute to Westfield
• Friday, Sept. 28 - Harvest New England Day
• Saturday, Sept. 29 - Maine Day
• Sunday, Sept. 30 - Salute to Special Olympics

DAILY SHOWS AT THE BIG E:

SEA LION SPLASH
Shows: Noon, 3:30 & 7PM, 10:30AM on Saturday and Sunday
This spell-binding show is returning to The Big E by popular demand! The mischievous sea creatures of the deep will splash their way into the hearts of fairgoers of all ages as they put on an amusing show. This educational, aquatic adventure showcases the animals’ abilities with incredible acrobatic feats and memorable stunts. Fairgoers will have the chance to have their picture taken with the “stars” after the show!

SUPER CIRCUS
Shows : 1, 4 & 7PM
This free, one-ring, European-style circus is unique to the Fair and is sure to keep fans of all ages on the edge of their seats. You won’t believe your eyes as Ringmaster Ty McFarlan takes control of center ring. Shows take place daily at 1, 4 and 7pm.

PEKING ACROBATS
Shows: 11AM, 1 & 6:30PM
The Peking Acrobats push the human body to the extreme, bringing years of acrobatic arts experience to Western Mass. Since 1986, they have been performing mind-boggling tricks that involve flexibility, strength and control; trick-cycling, tumbling, balancing, and gymnastics to name a few.

CATHERINE HICKLAND "THE HYPNOTIST"
Shows: 11AM, 2 & 6:30PM (No 2PM show on 9/30)
Check out the outrageous, family-friendly Comedy Hypnosis show that will have you rolling on the grass laughing. Celebrity Hypnotist Catherine Hickland will amaze you as she selects members of the audience to participate in her antics. Be part of the experience and watch your friends and family doing things you never imagined possible. 

RANDY BURNS, THE MECHANICAL MAN
The Mechanical Man, is back by popular demand, entertaining fairgoers of all ages with his robotic moves and comedic timing. You won't believe what he can do as he moves through the crowd. “The Mechanical Man" is indeed the best robot impersonator in the world, and he is right here on our fairgrounds!

MARDI GRAS PARADE
Shows: 1 & 8PM; weekends at 5PM
The excitement of New Orleans, complete with music, authentic Mardi Gras floats, costumes, and lights.  Get ready to reach high and catch some beads as the parade makes its way through the grounds! Join the party at The Big E Mardi Gras Parade! Be a costumed reveler in the parade for only $10.

ENTERTAINMENT AT THE BIG E:

U.S. FREESTYLE MOTOCROSS – SEPTEMBER 14TH – 16TH
Friday, Sept. 14 – 7:30pm; Saturday, Sept. 15 & Sunday, Sept. 16 – 2 & 7:30pm
Top riders from the U.S. FMX Championship Series will take the Arena by storm to defend their titles as reigning champions of freestyle motocross. Audience members should prepare for an adrenaline rush as they watch riders perform back flips, jumps and handstands while flying through the air.

HOT CHELLE RAE – SEPTEMBER 21ST
One of Pop music’s hottest groups, with songs as catchy as “Tonight Tonight” and “I Like It Like That” it is no wonder the band landed on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart. They released their debut album in 2009, and after collaborating with some of the top song writers in the business, they came out with their latest album, WHATEVER, in 2011. It is filled with fizzy, sing-along pop songs that helped jump the release to the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart. “Tonight Tonight” went double platinum in the U.S. and the group was able to create an international fan base. The album also includes the quirky break-up song “Honestly,” the “be yourself” anthem “Beautiful Freaks,” and the finger snapping tune “Radio.” Through it all the band manages to keep sleek melodies and tight harmonies and gives a solid performance.

RODNEY ATKINS – SEPTEMBER 23RD
Atkins is at the top of the Country music world, has a lot to say and has been proving, time and time