Maine Day at the "Big E" Draws a Record Crowd!

116,602 visitors sets a new record at New England's Largest Fair

West Springfield, MA - Maine Day at “New England’s Largest Fair” attracted a record crowd of 116,602 visitors on Saturday, September 17. The Eastern States Exposition, also known as the “Big E,” continues through October 2 and is celebrating its 100th anniversary promoting agriculture, education, industry, family entertainment and traditions that are part of New England’s heritage. The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry oversees Maine’s participation in this annual event.

All six New England states (Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine) are part of the "Big E." Each state has its own exhibition hall. The State of Maine building (built in 1925) showcases Maine foods and products, as well as features information on Maine’s many recreational and vacation opportunities. 

It was definitely a memorable Maine Day for participants, commodity queens, vendors, performers and visitors.

Maine Day at the “Big E” was early this year:  

The “Big E” draws over 1 million fairgoers annually, many of whom visit the state buildings located on the Avenue of States, affording a tremendous opportunity to promote Maine and Maine products.

A record number of visitors attended The "Big E” in 2014, breaking the Fair’s all-time high attendance figure, with a final tally of 1,498,605. In 2015, participation resulted in 1,345,961 total visitors. Moving Maine Day to the second day of the fair this year (it was at the second to last day previously) coincided with a record 116,602 single day visitors. 

Maine Day and Big E Participants

Maine Day Participants:

• L.L. Bean Bootmobile
• Capt'n Eli’s Soda
• Marine Ecological Systems Touch Tank
• Stage performances by Amanda Landry and Denny Breau
• Gym Dandies Children’s Circus
• IF&W Game Wardens
• Smokey Bear/Forest Service Ranger
• Strawberry Queen, Blueberry Queens, Dairy Princesses, Sea Goddess, Potato Queen

Maine Building Exhibitors:

• Maine Maple Producers Association - Assorted Maple Products and Beverages
• Alan Claude - Maine Lighthouse Collection Series
• Maine Aquaculture Association - Smoked Salmon on a Stick
• Lori A Davis Photography & Lara Max, Artisan Blacksmith - Nature & Wildlife Photographs, Blacksmith Designs and Paintings
• Maine Wood Products Association - Maine Wood Crafters products
• Maine Office of Tourism - Maine Tourism Information
• Jack and Mary Designs - Hand-crafted, accessories made from recycled sweaters
• Coyote Graphics - Screen printed cotton clothing featuring wildlife and nature graphics
• Buoy Sports, LLC - Decorative Buoys and Buoy Bats
• Wicked Whoopies by Isamax Snacks, Inc. - Whoopie Pies
• Hancock Gourmet Lobster Company - Maine Lobster Rolls
• Old Bottle Sea Glass of Maine - Maine Sea Glass Art
• Historic Pittston Farm - Destination, Campground, Homemade Ice Cream
• Primitive House Farm - Handmade soaps and Skincare products
• Pizza Pie on the Fly - Wood Fire Pizza
• Wild Blueberry Commission of Maine - Wild Maine Blueberry Products
• Works of Heart - Amish Furniture and Maine Made products
• Maine Potato Board - Maine Baked Potato

Governor Paul R. LePage thanks Maine Building Exhibitors

Photo captions:

1. Hancock Gourmet Lobster Company offers tasty lobster rolls.
2. Phil Pastore of GlobEcoMaine shows Governor Paul R. LePage his natural wood fiber alternative to paper towels.
3. The Maine Maple Producers Association have maple products on full display.
4. The Maine Office of Tourism is there to help visitors plan their next Maine vacation.
5. The Buoy Guy offers "Cool things made in Maine from real buoys!"
6. Old Bottle Sea Glass of Maine turns unique treasures into artifact art. 
7. Maine Potato Board baked, stuffed potatoes are a hit with visitors.
8. Works of Heart sell a variety of hand-made, "Made in Maine" products.
9. The Maine Aquaculture Association has some of the healthiest food at the fair.
10. The Maine Wood Products Association booth is busy promoting Maine's wood products and manufacturing capabilities.
11. The Wild Maine Blueberry Commission booth is demonstrating that "not all blueberries are created equal."  
12. The Primitive House Farm offers decorative, culinary and apothecary herbal gifts.
13. Historic Pittston Farm serves up "Batch by Scratch" All Natural Ice-cream.
14. Lori A Davis Photography & Lara Max Artisan Blacksmith display Maine nature & wildlife photographs, blacksmith designs and paintings.
15. Alan Claude's Lighthouse Travel Poster Art Prints offer viewers a dramatic and bold interpretation of Maine.
16. Wicked Whoopies Gourmet Whoopie Pies are baked in Maine daily and shipped fresh to your door.
17. Coyote Graphics provide "t-shirts for the wild side." 
18. Jack and Mary Designs design and manufacture hand-crafted, American-made, charming accessories created from recycled sweaters.
19. Pizza Pie on the Fly is a mobile wood fired pizza company specializing in outdoor music festivals, brew festivals and community events.
20. Commissioner Walt Whitcomb on YouTube with Julie Harrison of The Big E TV.
21. Smokey Bear says: "Only You Can Prevent Wildfires."

The Halls of East Dixfield Win the Green Pastures Award

The Halls from East Dixfield were the 2016 Maine recipients of the Green Pastures Award. Pictured here at the Big E Banquet from left to right are Meg, Dustin, Lori and Randy Hall.  

For more information about the Big E, please visit www.thebige.com For more information on Maine’s participation in the event, contact Ashley Sears at (207) 557-1516.