The Big E Hits the Big 100

 For Hampden County residents, fall has become associated with everyone’s favorite source of cream puffs and traffic jams: the Big E. Each September, millions flock to the Eastern States Exposition for the fifth-largest state fair in the country, and this year marks the fair’s centennial celebration.

The Eastern States Exposition, West Springfield’s home of the Big E, launched in the early 20^th century in response to the regional decline in farming activity. Joshua L. Brooks purchased the 175 acres of swampland with the goal of inspiring and supporting farmers and revitalizing the agricultural economy.

The Expo’s first event was the National Dairy Show, held in 1916. Until that year, the event had been held annually in the Midwest, and the proposal of hosting it in West Springfield was originally rejected by the directors, on the assumption that the region’s small farming community wouldn’t attract a significant audience. Eventually, the directors conceded to Brooks’ persuasion, and 45,000 people attended the event. Brooks’ actions spearheaded the “Eastern States Movement,” which sought to revitalize the region’s agricultural economy.

 

The primary autumn events of the Eastern States Exposition, named the “Big E” in 1967, first opened to the public in 1917. This tradition has grown in popularity over the years and endured as a beloved New England tradition. It has been interrupted only by World War I and II, during which time the fairgrounds were requisitioned and used as supply depots for the military.

The Exposition fairgrounds now house over 25 buildings showcasing a variety of agricultural, commercial, and cultural products and demonstrations. Among these are the Coliseum, the Better Living Center, and buildings dedicated to each of the six New England states. The Big E is also home to the world’s largest traveling midway, with more food, shopping, entertainment, and ride offerings than any other fair of its kind.

Apart from the Big E, the Exposition fairgrounds host a number of agricultural and cultural events throughout the year, including the Amherst Railway Society Railroad Hobby Show, the Big East and the Fiber Festival of New England. The fairgrounds are also home to the historic Storrowton Village.

This year, the Eastern States Exposition celebrates its 100^th anniversary with a special 3,500 square foot exhibit dedicated to the memories collected over the fair’s century of history.