By Joel Leyden
Israel News Agency
West Springfield, MA — September 27, 2016 … If you are seeking a true taste of Americana – you will find it at the Big E. The Big E, the largest fair in the US Northeast, is now celebrating 100 years of greatness!
The 100 Year Anniversary of The Big E kicked off with Military Appreciation Day, sponsored by the VA New England Healthcare System on the Fair’s opening day, Sept. 16.
Military Appreciation Day is The Big E’s way of saying “thank you” to those who are currently serving or have served in the United States Armed Forces. A military ID was required for free admission.
The VA New England Healthcare System provided information on both national and state veteran resources, including the opportunity to sign up for VA healthcare or to file a service connected disability claim. VA staff members were available to answer questions and assist veterans and their families.
The VA New England Healthcare System is one of 21 Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISNs) for the VA and is comprised of eight medical centers accredited by Joint Commission located throughout the six New England states. The Big E is proud to extend awareness about VA benefits and services as a thank you to all of our military personnel and veterans.
Opening Day is also “Be A Kid For A Day,” when Fair admission at the gate was only $10 for everyone.
Among the hundreds of indoor and outdoor displays and exhibits
are the world famous Turkey Legs!
The “Century of Greatness” Centennial Exhibit – open daily in the Young Building.
A new exhibit in the Young Building, “A Century of Greatness,” celebrates The Big E’s 100th anniversary and will take visitors on a historic journey to the past. See the story of Eastern States Exposition retold in photography, memorabilia and artifacts from the past century – from its founding by Joshua L. Brooks in 1916. Browse historic items from the Exposition’s archives, including trophies and ribbons, pennants, advertising vehicles, posters and more, plus letters from former U.S. presidents, Storrowton Village on a small scale and Brooks’ family possessions donated by family members.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place at the exhibit on Friday, Sept. 16. The exhibit is open daily in the Young Building from 10am to 10pm.
This is your chance to see an American icon – the Budweiser Clydesdales! With horses weighing collectively over 18,000 pounds pulling a circa 1900’s Studebaker wagon, it is quite the display!
Every night of the seventeen day fair, get ready to stand your ground to catch colorful beads and dance along to the iconic sounds of the birthplace of jazz -New Orleans!
The Big E takes place Sept. 16 – Oct. 2 in West Springfield, Mass. To stay updated on exciting Fair info, visit TheBigE.com, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, or call our info line at 413-205-5115.