WEST SPRINGFIELD – As the autumn season rolls around, so does the local fair called the Easter States Exposition, or better known as the Big E.

And this year’s fair is proving to be big.

Starting on September 16^th, the Easter States Exposition opened its gate’s once again to host the Big E. For two weeks, it will be lots of family fun, food, prizes, games, and even some live music.

This year is particularly special, as the Big E turns 100 years old this year. And such a date deserves such a line-up of events: car shows, plenty of parades, and live entertainment, including country singers Lee Brice and Maren Morris, as well as pop singers X Ambassadors and Elle King.

Anyone who has been to the Big E before typically has a favorite something they love to do: eat, visit, and plenty more.

There seems to be something for everyone.

“Two things: Apple pie smoothie, and these t-shirts,” says Craig Wester, a junior here at American International College.

He defined the shirts as those that you won’t find in a retail store.

“Those, and fried Oreos,” he said, naming his own personal Big E highlights.

The fair itself has more to offer than just food and stores: state buildings that show off the best of each New England state, the Midway for rides, and even a place to buy a snowplow and hot tub!

The fun is almost never ending at the Big E. For those who aren’t rollercoaster/ride people, there are plenty of games along the side of the Midway.

Other interesting things also include different animal exhibits: the Budweiser Clydesdales, a building dedicated solely to farm animals, and other independent areas showing off the biggest or smallest of an animal, like a pig.

Each year, the Big E introduces something new to their menus of infinite food, and adding to this year’s menu is maple waffle breakfast sandwich, fried mac and cheese, and much more.

“Food is the best part,” said Brittany Chalmers, also a junior at AIC. “They have really good kettle corn.”

She had only been to the Big E once before. “I want to go on the rides this year. I didn’t go on them last year.”

Many people like to venture back multiple times during the two weeks since there is so much to do, and a person can’t really take everything in in only a couple hours or a day.

“I plan on going three times,” Wester said. “Once with friends, and the other two times with family.”

There is really no such thing as a similar experience between days for those who go multiple days.

The best way to end the day is to hang around until after dark. Then, the lights on all the rides turn on, and illuminate the night. In addition, a Mardi Gra parade goes through the “main street” of the Big E throwing beaded necklaces into the crowd as the parade goes by.

The Big E only stays open for a short time, and closes on Sunday, October 2^nd, and takes the food, fun, and rides with it. Those who went will be left with good times, memories to last a lifetime, and maybe slightly more empty wallets than they wanted. In the end, most people will agree that it is worth it.

What does the Big E mean to regular fairgoers?

“Putting aside the worries of life, school, homework, work, etc. and just having a great time with friends,” said Wester.