The Big E: Where Familes Flee
The Eastern States Exposition is Back for Family Entertainment
Aug 4, 2009
Running from Friday, September 18th through Sunday, October 4th 2009, The Big E will open its gates in West Springfield, MA to offer 17 days of family fun and entertainment. Each day is filled with a variety of events, contests, performances, rides, games and delicious food. Due to the wide array of daily offerings, this is a great destination for the entire family to enjoy.
Performers to take the Comcast Arena and Court of Honor Stages
The 2009 lineup of headlining acts is comprised of many different acts to offer different genres over the course of the event on the Comcast Arena Stage. Boyz II Men will take the stage to entertain R&B fans. Those who would rather hear some blues rock can listen to the sounds of Foghat, while rockers can jam to Seether or Bret Michaels. Sugarland and Little Big Town will perform for country music listeners, in addition to a performance by Jamey Johnson, the ACM Song of the Year award winner. Visit The Big E website for a full schedule events and show start times.
The Court of Honor Stage will showcase additional performances. Richard Street, the former lead of the group the Temptations will sing from 3PM to 8PM, beginning September 18th through the 21st. Terry Sylvester, formerly of the Hollies will take stage at the same time on September 22nd through the 26th. The music of Bobby Darin will be performed by Mack the Knife on September 27th through the 30th. Finally, Thelma Houston will play for fans Oct 1st through the 4th. If that wasn’t enough, the Honor Stage is also home to the Stars of the Peking Acrobats, who take the stage three times a day; at 11AM, 1PM and 6:30PM.
Family Entertainment at the Big E
Inside The Big E is the grand North American Midway. From the 115-foot spinning Giant Wheel and Polar Express to the Fireball and Niagara Falls Flume, there are rides for every thrill seeker. For youngsters, Kiddieland features calmer rides for tiny tykes. For those who would rather keep both feet on the ground, the Magic Midway is filled with games to play and prizes to win.
Guests are invited to take a walking tour of New England, through life-size state capitals inside the Avenue of States. The Craft Common is open, displaying treasures created by local artisans. There is Storrowton Village, which features 9 historical building replicas found during 19th century New England, where participants will learn the old art of chair making. There are also daily Mardi Gras Parades to watch, cooking contests, and both national and regional sheep shows to attend. Refuel with a Big E Cream Puff, a Big Éclair or The Big E Chocolate Chip cookie, all are fair favorites offered throughout.
The Cost of Tickets and Parking, and the Hours of Operation at The Big E
Adult tickets are $12 per ticket, Monday through Thursday and $15 each on Friday through Sunday. Children tickets are $8 per ticket, Monday through Thursday and $10 each on Friday through Sunday. The price to park in the Gate 9 Lot is $10 for automobiles and $20 for campers. Parking is on a first come, first serve basis. Neighboring lots are located close by, each with varying parking rates.
The gates open each day at 8:00 in the morning. Most exhibits run from 10AM to 10PM. The Midway opens at 11AM running till 10PM, except on Saturday when the rides operate from 10AM to 11PM. Sunday, October 4th the gates close at 9PM. Once inside, take notice of the following ground rules; no pets, weapons, rollerblades, skateboards, drugs or alcohol are allowed inside the park. These rules are in place to ensure a good time is had by all.
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