WEST SPRINGFIELD — A record number of fairgoers turned out for The Big E in West Springfield this year.
According to the Eastern States Exposition, The Big E welcomed 1,525,553 in the past 17-days. The previous record of 1,498,605, was set in 2014.
“I am humbled to see the incredible support of Eastern States Exposition by our loyal fair patrons,” said Eugene Cassidy, president and CEO of the Exposition. “The 2017, 101st edition of The Big E broke records again, recording for the first time in history over 1.5 million guests. Patrons of New England’s Great State Fair braved days of punishing temperatures that pushed the heat index to above 100 degrees, they endured a 55 degree drop in temperature accompanied by rain, and yet they came in great numbers to participate in, enjoy and support this organization and all it stands for.”
During the West Springfield fair’s run, the all-time highest single day attendance record was also broken when 171,897 visitors attended Saturday, Sept. 23.
Founded in 1916, The Big E is New England largest state fair.
The Big E relies on a successful formula of top musical acts, innovative fair food, midway rides, agricultural exhibits and a wide variety of vendors.
On a typical day, a fairgoer could hear a performance by Smash Mouth, view a replica of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, take a ride down the iconic giant yellow slide, check out a 4-H exhibit and eat a deep friend cannoli.