Gates open for Big E's 95th season

WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Friday marks the beginning of the 95th season for the Eastern States Exposition: also known as the Big E.

The gates are open, and for the next 17 days, fair-goers will pack the Exposition grounds in West Springfield, looking to relive longstanding fair traditions, and to try something new. A total of 1.2 million people are expected to visit during the fair’s run this year.

While the gates opened at 8:00 A.M., most exhibits and buildings open at 10:00 A.M.

If you’re heading to the fair, here are the hours for the top attractions:

• Better Living Center/Young Building, other main buildings: 10:00 A.M.-10:00 P.M.
• Avenue of States: 10:00 A.M.-9:00 P.M.
• Storrowton Village Museum: 10:00 A.M.-9:00 P.M.
• Strorrowton Tavern & Terrace: 11:00 A.M.-11:00 P.M.
• Craft Common 10:00 A.M.-10:00 P.M.
• Midway: Mon-Fri 11:00 A.M.-10:00P.M., Sat-Sun 10:00 A.M.-11:00 P.M.
• Cream Puff Bakery: Sun-Thurs. 9:00 A.M.-10:30 P.M., Fri-Sat 9:00 A.M.-11:00 P.M.