{"id":6398,"date":"2024-09-10T09:00:52","date_gmt":"2024-09-10T13:00:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mafes\/?post_type=tribe_events&p=6398"},"modified":"2024-09-10T09:01:23","modified_gmt":"2024-09-10T13:01:23","slug":"the-big-e","status":"publish","type":"tribe_events","link":"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mafes\/event\/the-big-e\/","title":{"rendered":"The Big E"},"content":{"rendered":"
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There is no Massachusetts State Fair. There is a Six-State Fair \u2013 the only one in America.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Is it possible to set foot in all six New England states in one hour? Absolutely, if you visit the Avenue of States during The Big E, the only fair in the nation where more than one state participates. On this educational thoroughfare you\u2019ll see impressive replicas of each New England state\u2019s original statehouse sitting on land actually owned by that state.<\/div>\n
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Take a step inside and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and tastes of quintessential New England. See berries straight from the bog in Massachusetts, one of the few places on earth where cranberries grow! Enjoy the ever popular Maine baked potato with a dollop of sour cream and other tasty toppings. Shop for a wide array of local products stocked at the Connecticut General Store. Have a glass of cool, crisp New Hampshire apple cider. Browse fine Rhode Island jewelry. Bring home a block of zesty Vermont cheddar cheese.<\/div>\n
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Eastern States Exposition founder Joshua L. Brooks dreamed of having state buildings at the Fair that would unite the agricultural and industrial parts of the exposition and showcase traditional and new products and attractions that make each New England state unique. You can begin your journey at whichever state your prefer \u2013 just be sure not to miss any!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Experience the Best of Maine: DACF Showcases Over 30 Maine Brands and Artists at The Big E 2024<\/strong><\/div>\n
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Augusta, Maine<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) Commissioner Amanda Beal and Bureau of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources Director Craig Lapine announced today that the department is supporting more than 30 Maine brands and businesses, along with four featured artists, through exhibits at the Maine Building at the 2024 Big E in West Springfield, Massachusetts.<\/p>\n

The Maine building, modeled after Maine\u2019s original State House, is located on the\u00a0Avenue of States<\/a>, next to the Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont state buildings. Maine has participated in this exciting display of New England traditions since 1925. The Big E has been the country\u2019s only multi-state fair since 1917. In 2023, the Big E welcomed more than 1.4 million visitors. The 2024 Big E begins Friday, September 13, and runs through Sunday, September 29.<\/p>\n

The Maine Building at the Big E promotes Maine agricultural producers, makers, and food businesses, economic development through tourism, and Maine hospitality. DACF operates and maintains the building.<\/p>\n

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\u201cWe\u2019re excited to showcase what makes our state so special in the Maine Building, highlighting a diverse array of Maine products, ranging from blueberries, beer, and cider, to cheese, lobster, salmon, baked potatoes, woodcrafts, and more,\u201d said Amanda Beal, DACF Commissioner<\/strong>. \u201cI strongly encourage everyone to support these exceptional small businesses during the fair and by looking for shops that carry their products in Maine and beyond.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you live in Maine, you already know that Maine produces the tastiest food on the planet,\u201d said\u00a0Craig Lapine, Director of the Bureau of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources.<\/strong> \u201cThe Maine Building at the Big E lets us show that off to the northeast.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Big E\u2019s Maine Building welcomes people from throughout New England to experience, enjoy, and purchase Maine agricultural, food, beverage, and artisan products from some of the best Maine vendors,\u201d said Michelle Webb, Division Director of Agricultural Resource Development.<\/strong> \u201cVisiting the Maine Building at the Big E is a wonderful opportunity to meet some of Maine\u2019s great producers and makers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cExhibiting at the Big E is a unique opportunity for our staff to interact with thousands of people interested in travel to Maine, and we look forward to sharing information about the outstanding visitor experiences our state offers,\u201d said Carolann Ouellette, Director of Maine Tourism, Film and Outdoor Recreation.<\/strong> \u201cFood tourism is a growing trend, so the tourism booth\u2019s location in the Maine building in company with providers of some of Maine\u2019s iconic products is a perfect pairing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Maine FFA State Officer Team and members representing several local chapters look forward to the Big E each year as they kick off their school year,\u201d said Emily Doughty, CTE Natural Resource Specialist and Maine FFA liaison. <\/strong>\u201cThe Big E provides Maine FFA members the opportunity to learn more about agriculture throughout the Eastern States, demonstrate skills in a variety of career and leadership development events, meet peers in FFA and 4-H, and continue to advocate for youth programming with business and industry professionals.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBe sure to visit the Maine Building at the Big E. It showcases the richness and diversity of Maine’s agriculture and natural resources,\u201d said Jon Olson, Maine Big E Trustee.<\/strong> \u201cThere’s always much to see and experience and always delicious food. The Maine baked potato is my favorite.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBringing our small business to the Big E via the Maine Building has been our biggest opportunity to expand our customer base. The building management and resources provide a level of comfort so far away from home,\u201d said Mark and Jenn Tripp, owners of Tripp\u2019s Farmhouse Caf\u00e9, <\/strong>a dedicated gluten-free food business. \u201cBeing a specialty food producer, we love engaging and seeing the excitement on faces when they find out they are safe to eat our foods. It\u2019s even more exciting when they follow us back to Maine, which many do!\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

2024 Maine Building Exhibitors:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n