Massachusetts Building
at the Big E Fair Officially Open
Over 30 businesses and
organizations set to represent and promote
Massachusetts’
Agriculture, Commerce, and Tourism Industries
WEST
SPRINGFIELD — The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural
Resources (MDAR) today announced the annual opening of the Massachusetts State
Exposition Building during the 2023 Eastern States Exposition, better known as
“The Big E.” This year, the 2023 Big E will run from Friday, September
15, 2023, to Sunday, October 1, 2023.
The
Massachusetts State Exposition Building opened in 1919 and is the oldest of the
six original statehouse replicas representing each New England state located
along the Avenue of States. The mission of the Massachusetts State Exposition
Building is to showcase Massachusetts agriculture, culture, commerce, and
tourism through informational, educational, promotional, and retail exhibits.
"From
clam chowder to maple syrup, the Big E is a tremendous opportunity for visitors
to learn about Massachusetts’ diverse businesses and products,” said
MDAR Commissioner Ashley Randle. “We’re excited to welcome everyone
back to see what Massachusetts has to offer as the Healey-Driscoll
Administration works to better position the state as an innovative leader in
developing a local economy around agriculture.”
Attendees
of this year’s fair will be able to visit over 30 vendors inside and around the
building including local artisanal small business owners, agricultural
commodity groups, commercial vendors, and state agencies. Visitors can also
expect to find a wide variety of products, including clam chowder, apples,
Finnish pancakes, honey, maple syrup, candles, soaps, chocolates, jewelry,
photography, dips, seafood, smoothies, sandwiches, and more.
Special
days for the Massachusetts Building include Military Day on Friday, September
15th, Massachusetts Day on Thursday, September 21st and
Harvest New England Day on Friday, September 29th. Big E gates open
at 8AM daily and the Avenue of States hours are 10AM to 9PM daily. Directions,
parking, and ticket details are available online.
Below
is a list of this year’s Massachusetts State Exposition Building vendors and
exhibitors for the 17-day fair:
Amy's All Natural Soaps *-
Offers 35 unique varieties of goat milk soaps, unscented/natural shea
butter, moisturizing lip lotion and gift baskets. Soaps are made locally using
a family recipe which contains no artificial colorants, scents or synthetic
materials.
Andrew Gordon Jewelry * - Provides
a passion for the craft of handmaking one-of-a-kind sterling silver jewelry,
including rings, bracelets, earrings and charms.
Bees
Boards *- Locally sourced, handcrafted
cribbage boards, cutting boards, clocks, charcuterie boards, barware, cheese
slices signs, kitchen, home goods and custom orders.
Common Ground Ciderworks* - Small
batch, hand crafted, hard cider, wine and beer made in North Brookfield.
Finn
Cakes - What is a Finnish Pancake? It is a sweet
tasting egg pancake topped with Massachusetts Maple Syrup. It contains the same
custardy taste from 50 years ago and it’s a one of a kind on the fairgrounds!
Gibby's Gourmet Marshmallows - Locally
sourced marshmallow products that are loaded with flavor and come in a variety
of shapes and styles. All come in YUMMMY!!!
Hampden
County Beekeepers Association - Non-profit
organization that provides a forum to educate the public and promote local
honey products including liquid, creamed, comb, chunk and straws. Bee products
including pollen granules, liquid propolis, moisturizer, lip balm, sip straws,
and candy are available to purchase.
I Love Boston Sports *
- Curates unique themed art-based products based on the rich history and
athletic achievements of the New England sports teams. These
one-of-a-kind products are imprinted on t-shirts, sweatshirts, wall prints and
novelty items.
Impeckable - If you love
to feed the birds, these one-of-a-kind bird feeders and houses will make a
unique gift. Impeckable was created with the dual intention of being able to
make you smile and give nature a helping hand.
Joey's
Deli & Market - The Biggest
Little Deli - The deli cases are always changing with a variety of sweet
treats, create your own dinners, sides, cold salads and more.
Koffee Kup Bakery * -
Chicopee based bakery that offers top quality made-from-scratch baked goods
including everything from cakes, breads, sweets and more.
Macken's Sliders * -
Family owned and operated mobile catering company that specializes in BBQ
Cowboy, Garlic Bomb, Bacon Waffle, and Vegetarian Caprese Sliders.
Main Street Deli *
- Enjoy delicious "Comfort Foods" such as homemade hot entrees
like the Pilgrim Sandwich and the Thanksgiving Bowl, made-to-order sandwiches,
Mac & Cheese, salads and delicious desserts.
Massachusetts
Dept. of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) -
The Department’s mission is to cultivate a robust and equitable agricultural
economy, promote a safe and resilient food system, and preserve a healthy
environment for Massachusetts farmers, animals, and consumers.. Visit
their website to find local farms,
farmers markets and more!
Massachusetts
Dept. of Conservation & Recreation (DCR) -
Manages state parks and oversees more than 450,000 acres throughout
Massachusetts. It protects, promotes, and enhances the state’s natural,
cultural, and recreational resources.
Massachusetts
Department of Fire Safety (DFS) - Helps keep
communities safe by providing firefighter training, public education, fire
prevention, code enforcement, licensing, fire investigation, hazardous material
response, and emergency response.
Massachusetts Farmers Markets -
Partners with farmers, consumers, and communities to improve the health of
individuals, strengthen community vitality, and enhance local farm viability
through farmers markets. Visits their website to find a farmers’ market near
you!
Massachusetts
Maple Producers Association – MMPA works with
more than 250 producers across the Commonwealth to help them make delicious,
all-natural, pure maple products. Visit your nearest sugarhouse, or order
online!
Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism (MOTT) -
MOTT promotes the Commonwealth as a four-season travel destination. MOTT
highlights Massachusetts’ culture, history, cuisine and outdoor resources and
works closely with the 16 tourism offices across the state. To plan your
Massachusetts getaway, visit www.visitma.com.
Massachusetts
Secretary of State – The Secretary of
State’s Office is the chief record-keeping, public information, securities
regulator, and elections officer of the Commonwealth. Their office is
responsible for the maintenance of public records, administration of elections,
storage of historical data, preservation of historical sites, registration of
corporations, and the filing and distribution of regulations and public
documents.
Massachusetts
State Grange - Are you interested in
agriculture and leadership? If so, the Massachusetts State Grange creates
opportunities for leadership and community improvement through its commitment
to expand agricultural education in order to raise the quality of life for all.
Check out their website for a Grange location near you.
Massachusetts
State Lottery * - Feel like a
winner? Try your luck at the Massachusetts State Lottery! Each year,
the Massachusetts State Lottery returns net profits to the Commonwealth for
distribution of essential unrestricted local aid to all 351 cities and
towns.
Massachusetts State Treasury -
Paid out over $225 Million over the last 2 years and has over $3 Billion
dollars in unclaimed property.
Maureen's Sweet Shoppe *
- True candy boutique that offers the finest handmade chocolates which are
made in small batches to assure freshness. Caramel is made on site to ensure
only the finest ingredients in their products. In addition to fine
chocolates, they offer over 50 bulk candy choices including the world's best
gummies.
Moeshmallows - Creating
treats that bring the humble marshmallow into the limelight and let it be the
star of the show. Nostalgic in nature, Moeshmallows will bring out the kid in
you, sure to make you smile.
My Main Squeeze *
- Get your squeeze on by visiting My Main Squeeze juice bar. A place where
cold-pressed juice can help to supplement a healthy lifestyle and no matter
what you purchase (even sweet treats!) you will know it's good for you (no
processed or refined ingredients and no additives). Visit their website for the
best smoothies, protein balls, acai bowls, and superfood mix you will ever
have.
Nantucket
Wild Fish - From their Boats to Smoke to Table- try fish
in a new way- smoked in either a tuna wrap, whole in a croissant or in a
stuffed quahog.
New England Apple Association -
With more than 120 varieties grown in New England, you are sure to find a
perfect apple for any occasion. Visit website to find an orchard near you!
Patrick Zephyr Nature Photography *
- See all the beauty the world has to offer in a picture. Patrick Zephry
is a nationally known artist and instructor whose works are available through
print, notecards, calendars, wooden puzzles, coaster and more. Visit the
Patrick Zephyr Nature Photography website to see his amazing works.
Rustic Wood Flags by Wedge* - Hand
crafted customized wooden agricultural, military, and patriotic flags, themed
cutting boards, challenge coin holders and so much more!
S & P Foodies Hub*- Using
Massachusetts products, Thai fries are fresh cut potatoes with a dry rub
seasoning topped with cheese, spicy honey aioli and a habanero lemon basil
aioli then covered with such toppings as bacon bits, gluten free chicken, and
cheese. Yum!!
Simply Dip-Licious *
- From bread to dips to desserts, Simply Dip-Licious is committed to
offering you the finest and freshest ingredients that you will taste in every
bite. They offer a large variety of gourmet dips and olive oil blends for all
your dipping occasions.
Sniffs
of Adventure - Our products
tell a story of adventures which are attributed through their smells. Our
candles are whimsical and should transport you to a time and place that brings
back a nostalgic memory. Our candles are 100% soy infused with natural fragrance
oils, which are made in our Newbury Street and Provincetown store
locations.
Springfield Thunderbirds *
- Calling all hockey fans. The Springfield Thunderbirds are a minor league
professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League that began playing
during the 2016–17 season. Show your Springfield pride by visiting their
website to see their amazing apparel or to purchase game tickets.
Valley
Malt * - Have you ever wondered where malt
comes from? Valley Malt is bringing the Malthouse back
by offering artisanal malts from locally grown grains for craft and
home brewers. Check out their website for growing and brewing partners.
Worcester
Red Sox * - The Worcester Red Sox (nicknamed the Woo Sox) is
a professional minor league Triple-A Affiliate baseball team for the Boston Red
Sox. The Woo Sox began playing at Polar Park in Worcester in April 2021.
* Denotes a businesses that offers products or is open
year-round.
