Yes, this has been a “fair season” for me, and believe it or not I had never been to THE BIG E in West Springfield, Massachusetts – a larger and premier fair in New England. This year held Sept 15 – Oct 1. Friends asked me to join them, and even better when they are Trustees of the Fair, I knew it would be a grand time — and I was not disappointed on Friday, 25 September. My friends, both having been NH State Representatives, served on Agriculture committees. Topping the day off was a reception for NH Trustees and friends (fortunately I be one) with the NH Commissioner of Agriculture, and one of his key assistants – Josh. Yes, I “do travel in the right circles.” Obviously we started at the New Hampshire Building. Each New England State has a building in the row of states, and although in Massachusetts, this is New Hampshire state property grounds.

deceiving from the outside, the state buildings are open exhibition halls inside. This view the general public (I am not) would not see as this is the area for dignitaries, as is the view looking out from the second floor.

Josh had arranged for this 650 plus pound pumpkin to be brought to the grounds and arranged for this pumpkin sculptor (yes a profession with few members). He was pulling off the “skin” and then in the “flesh” carving a NH scene. Once lit from the inside you would then see the carving in relief.

In the Connecticut building, next door to the NH building, is this road sign with distances – TOO MUCH FUN.

looking out the Vermont building to the fair —

with Vermont water at $3 a can, Walpole water should bring $6.75 a can.

and, Massachusetts – could be a song title.

I am not familiar with this Rhode Island gourmet treat

but when stationed in Rhode Island, living in North Kingstown, Del’s was just out on Route 1. Their truck playing a jingle drove around, and my boys ran out of the house for their frozen lemonade.

you may know that I am currently “into” pumpkins – well, plastic “blow mold” ones. Seeing this exhibit in the Rhode Island building it will be “road trip” to the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular at the Roger Williams Park Zoo. Will buy my tickets once done with this post.

This building is dedicated to the history of the fair…

and open these views for some history

these posters are made of Legos, made by the Lego company and given to the fair for exhibit here.

and some history of Storrowton at the BIG E — click below — essentially a small version of Old Sturbridge Village. I attended a Christmas program here in 2017, and you can click on this link to see that adventure. Storrowton was begun in 1927. Putting in perspective, Henry Ford started his Greenfield Village in 1933 (he did buy 3,000 acres with the Wayside Inn in Sudbury, MA in 1923 with the aim of developing it into a historically oriented village and museum), and Old Sturbridge Village began in 1946. So, an important achievement here.

The broom makers were interesting and shared this “witches broom” (image on left – remember to click to enlarge) which is a genetic mutation seldom seen on spruce tree branches

and, hopefully you know I like the work of the old tinsmiths, had a chance to “apprentice” at OSV, and collect pieces that “speak to me.”

This school was moved from nearby Whately. The docent explained the punishment of the “nose circle” drawn on a blackboard, the miscreant would have to stand for a time with his or her nose pushed to the circle. Maybe the rod would be better.

we watched horse competition for awhile

a massive amusement and midway area off on one side – never really my thing – and now protecting my bones.

Had to share this fellow with you – at first thought he was standing on a stage – nope.

we did not get into all the exhibition buildings, but this building was a great introduction to youngsters of all ages showing chicks hatching, farm fruits and vegetables and small livestock. I got into a very lively discussion with this lady. A good back and forth about her life and what she does, and her beauty (she thanked me). Then another person started chatting when I was done, so turning to leave I said to her, “thank you,” and midstream while chatting with the other person she turned back to me saying “and thank you.” She denied being AI – I WANT ONE.

below are two fun exhibits in this building

as 5PM approached we headed to the BROOKS BUILDING – the offices for the fair. It was time for the reception in honor of NH Day. Invited were NH Big E trustees. We arrived early, got comfortable, and (told you I travel in good company) the Commission of Agriculture sat with us with his amazing young staffer who I predict will be going places. Then it was parade time. Always fun watching a parade going by on a street, but how about from the porch on the roof?

I realized with this opportunity I had to switch to video mode to share with you – so here ’tis.

What a wonderful full day
But how do you match this? Came close the next day with BUFFIES and FOAMERS. Now if that post title doesn’t bring you back, nothing will.
Thank you for sharing THE BIG E with me, luv, RAY