One of New England’s favorite seasonal traditions is back.
Gates officially opened at the Big E in West Springfield, Massachusetts, on Friday morning. Families arrived bright and early for the food, attractions, and traditions of opening day.
Many fairgoers were ready for a sweet treat as soon as the gates opened at 8 a.m.
“We got the cherry cheesecake sundae,” Kelly Schindler, of Chicopee, Massachusetts, said. “We come here every year. We usually try the different donuts that they have. So it’s our family tradition for opening day.”
Families also wasted little time checking out the attractions, including the sea lions, which were ready to greet visitors Friday morning.
Organizers expect around 1.5 million people to attend the fair over the next couple of weeks. Of the hundreds of vendors taking part, about 70 are from Connecticut.
Among them is Ani Robaina, of Ani’s Table and Marketplace in Rocky Hill, making her Big E debut.
“We’re super excited. The exposure is tremendous,” Robaina said. “As a new business owner, we can get more people in front of us than you can get any other way.”
Opening day also included a show of appreciation for members of the military, with military members and veterans receiving free admission.
Mike Mitchell, Connecticut American Legion Department Commander, said the day is also an opportunity to remind service members that the veteran community is there for them.
“A way to know there’s something more than their service,” Mitchell said. “The veteran community is here supporting active-duty military members and their families.”
The Big E runs through Sunday, Oct. 4, at the Eastern States Exposition fairgrounds in West Springfield, Massachusetts.
