Massachusetts is host to one of the few multi-state fairs in the country, called the Big E or the Eastern States Exposition it is held in the town of West Springfield. Every year six states, Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode Island, get together around the middle of September and celebrate New England traditions and agriculture. Visitors can walk down the Avenue of States and visit life sized replicas of each of the States' Capitol Buildings. In each of the states' areas find something unique about that state. Taste cranberry juice from cranberries grown in Massachusetts or admire jewelry made in Rhode Island. Those who enjoy the flavors of the New England states can head over to the Harvest Kitchen Theater to watch on of the many live cooking contests. The theater is closed circuit and provides television screen viewing for those towards the back of the theater. It's also host to a number of visiting chefs and cookbook authors who come to show off their best recipes. The Exposition also makes secret recipe Cream Puffs right before visitor's eyes at the Cream Puff Bakery. Buy one of these large baked treats and you'll be stuffed for hours after eating. To make sure that each state at the fair gets its proper due the Big E has set up special state days to honor each of the six states participating in the Expo. Usually these special days are consecutively placed one after the other towards late September. Lovers of Fat Tuesday will be excited to know that the Mardi Gras Parade makes a second appearance each year at the Expo. Each day seven floats custom made by companies in New Orleans go down the street in the Big E Grande Parade accompanied by a contingent of Marching Bands, animals and street entertainers. |
