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Big E vendors see bump in sales

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Attendees search for deals at Big E

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What's New at The 2012 Big E?

Updated: Thursday, 13 Sep 2012, 4:56 PM EDT
Published : Thursday, 13 Sep 2012, 4:56 PM EDT

The 2012 Big E hosts new and exciting exhibits and events, top-notch performers and entertainment, returning Fair favorites and of course, fabulous food and fun for the whole family, Sept. 14-30!

New entertainment includes:

Comcast Arena Stage
Ticketed Shows:

  • Billy Currington – with special guest David Nail – Grammy nominated Country singer known for his singles, “People are Crazy” and “Pretty Good at Drinkin’ Beer.” Fri. Sept. 28 at 7:30pm. (Tickets $39/$29)
  • Jeff Dunham – Acclaimed ventriloquist and comedian. Sat., Sept. 29 at 7:30pm (Tickets: $49/$39/$29)
  • Alan Jackson – Country chart topper featuring his latest hit “So You Don’t Have to Love Me Anymore.” Sun. Sept. 30 at 7:30pm (Tickets: $59/$49/$39)

Free Shows:

  • Hot Chelle Rae– Pop Rock band from Nashville with hit singles “Tonight Tonight” and “I Like It Like That.” Sat., Sept. 21 at 7:30pm
  • The Big E Doo Wop Show – Classic 60s icons, Jay Black, Jay Siegel & the Tokens, and Kenny Vance and the Planotones, will come together for a special, one-time performance. Sat., Sept. 22 at 7:30pm.
  • Rodney Atkins – Country superstar, known for his smash hits, “Take a Back Road” and “Farmer’s Daughter” Sun., Sept. 23 at 7:30pm.


The popular U.S. Freestyle Motocross returns to the Comcast Arena, Fri., Sept. 14 at 7:30pm, Sat., Sept. 15 and Sun., Sept. 16 at 2 & 7:30pm

Big E fans have the opportunity to reserve a premium seat to any free concert for just $25. All tickets are available online at Ticketmaster.com, TheBigE.com or charge by phone – 800-745-3000. If purchased prior to show date, tickets include admission into the Fair.

Court of Honor Stage, sponsored by Comcast (All free shows)

  • The Stars of the Peking Acrobats, Spectacular balancing, acrobatics and more – daily at 11am, 1 and 6:30pm
  • The Righteous Brothers’ Bill Medley, “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling.” Sept. 14–16 at 3 and 8pm
  • Eddie Holman, “Lonely Girl” – Sept. 17–21 at 3 and 8pm
  • Joey Molland, formerly of Badfinger– Sept. 22–26 at 3 and 8pm
  • Shannon, “Let the Music Play” – Sept. 27–30 at 3 and 8pm

Storrowton Village Gazebo

  • Catherine Hickland “Comedy Hypnotist” Daily at 11am, 2 & 6:30pm (no 2 pm show on Sept. 30)

Check out the outrageous, family-friendly Comedy Hypnosis show that will have you rolling on the grass laughing. Be part of the experience and watch your friends and family doing things you never imagined possible.  

The Big E Super Circus, sponsored by Coca-Cola, daily at 1, 4 & 7pm, featuring:

  • Ringmaster Ty McFarlan
  • Mark Gindick as “Grandma”
  • Duo A & A
  • The Marinofs
  • David Rosaire’s Perky Pekes
  • Dany Daniels and Edina
  • The Big E Thrill Riders

Walking in a Winter Wonderland, sponsored by Uncommon USA
Meander through a greeting card come to life, complete with falling snow, created by J3T•SET design group exclusively for The Big E, located in the Young building. Walking in a Winter Wonderland is a 3,700 square-foot, snowy forest with enchanted holiday scenes around every bend.  It features vintage glamour reminiscent of old Hollywood juxtaposed with Victorian romance. Patrons will feel the warmth and comfort of classic traditions as they wind through the scene, cross the bridge over the frozen brook, and stop to watch the “ice skaters” at Evergreen Pond.  Fairgoers can bring home the warmth of the holidays with a Kringle Candle, or a picture in front of the snow-drift forest.

Sea Lion Splash, sponsored by Chicopee Savings Bank
Daily Noon, 3:30, and 7:30pm; additional 10:30am show on Sat. & Sun.
Back by popular demand, this spell-binding show is returning to The Big E! These mischievous sea creatures will splash their way into the hearts of fairgoers of all ages as they put on an amusing show. The 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 sea lions after the show!

America’s Farmers Mobile Experience, sponsored by Monsanto
Sept. 27-30 on The Court of Honor
A traveling display designed to educate consumers on modern agriculture and the challenges farmers face to meet the food, fuel and clothing needs of a growing planet. During the 15 minute tour, fairgoers will hear about the trials America’s farmers face, watch a video that spotlights an American farm family, and learn about the tools and technology farmers use every day that help them succeed. The display will focus on plants, agronomics, plant breeding, and biotechnology and will include an interactive touch-screen quiz and growth population chart.

The Budweiser Clydesdales, sponsored by Williams Distributing
To celebrate the end of prohibition in 1933, August A. Busch, Jr. presented his father with a team of Clydesdale horses. It was the start of a tradition that continues for Big E fairgoers to enjoy. Today, the Budweiser Clydesdales are used for promotions and commercials by the Anheuser-Busch Brewing Company; you may recognize these gentle giants

from their famed Super Bowl commercials. Stop by their home near the McDonald’s Giant Slide and witness some of the world’s largest and most beautiful horses.  Watch as they are fed, groomed, prepared and hitched for The Big E Daily Parade.  Weighing in at a whopping 2000 pounds each, they sure are here to impress!

Butter Sculpture
Watch sculptor Jim Victor create an amazing three dimensional sculpture out of 600 pounds of Cabot Creamery butter, Sept. 14-24. The dairy-themed sculpture remains on display throughout the Fair; this year’s theme is “Cash Cow.”

New Foods Sure to Tempt the Taste Buds!
NEW food items this year include:

  • Deep Fried Samoas –Try the quintessential Girl Scout Cookie delicately deep fried to perfection! Located at The Coffee Break in the Food Court.
  • Chocolate Dipped Bacon and Pulled Pork– Send your taste buds on a ride, located at The Ultimate BBQ in the Food Court.
  • Deep Fried Lasagna – A classic Italian dish with a twist located at Chicken Express in the Food Court


La Petite France Bakery
When Parisian couple Alexandra and Romeo Litor relocated to Connecticut in 2004, they opened La Petite France Bakery in Stafford Springs, followed by a second store in West Hartford, Conn.  Specializing in French baguettes, croissants and pastries, this year they will be at The Big E serving sweet and savory crepes, croissants and assorted French delicacies. Fairgoers can indulge in an authentic French crepe stuffed with sweet cream, strawberries and chocolate or make it savory with turkey and ham, located in the Young Building.

Be sure to indulge in last year’s favorites that fairgoers are still talking about! Hot Diggid-E Dog, Deep Fried Shepherd’s Pie, Fried Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich, Fried Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich, Fried Snickers and Almond Joy Bars, Fried Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bits, Fried Butter, Fried Jelly Beans and Frozen Hot Chocolate,. Don’t forget to save room for our signature Fair food, the Craz-E Burger and The Big E Cream Puff.

Celebrate The 250th Birthday of the Sandwich
It was a mere 250 years ago that the Earl of Sandwich requested his lunch be placed between two slices of bread so that he could continue playing cards without stopping for a meal. Today, the sandwich is America’s lunchtime fare of choice. And did you know The Big E has 250 different sandwiches? Help us celebrate the sandwich’s birthday at the Fair! See if you can find them all.

For more sandwich fun, The Big E will host the Fleischmann’s Yeast “Sensational Sandwich Bread” Contest! Sept. 20 at 11am. Other contests to be held are Cake Decorating, Sept. 18, and Domino Sugar Cupcakes, Sept. 27.

Salute to Girl Scouting, Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012
In honor of the Girl Scouts’ 100th anniversary, The Big E will present Salute to Girl Scouting. On the special day, Girl Scouts, past and present, may play 19th century games on the Storrowton Village green at 12:30pm and there will be Girl Scout participation in the Daily Parade. Throughout the 17-day fair, Deep fried Samoas will be served, at the Coffee Break in the Food Court, and there will be an exhibit in the New England Center where fairgoers can learn about the history and roots of the organization along with Girl Scouting today. There will be free admission for Girl Scouts in uniform on Sept. 16.

Salute to Holyoke, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2012
The city of Holyoke steps out in style with representation in The Big E Daily Parade. Free after school admission is available for all Holyoke students on their special day.

For tickets, show times and detailed information, visit TheBigE.com. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheBigE and follow us at Twitter.com/TheBigEFair.

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