WEST SPRINGFIELD – It’s that time of year again, as the Eastern States Exposition made its debut Friday, September 18, on the almost century old Memorial Avenue fair grounds. The fair ran through Sunday, October 4.

Aside from all the shows and entertainment, the real attraction that brings thousands to the site every year are the new and delicious treats offered by the various vendors and concessions! From sweet to savory, there’s something for everyone to sink their teeth into!

Walking down the Avenue of States, it’s hard to miss the six state houses that give the street its name. Modeled after the six original state buildings in New England, each house boasts the specialty food items their state is known for.

Vermont offers several varieties of their delicious maple syrup, Massachusetts has fresh seafood, and of course Maine is famous for its fabulous baked potatoes that people line up for, every day.

The focus at The Big E, however, is not on the old favorites but instead on the new ones waiting to leave their mark on New England.

A short stroll from the Avenue of States is the Agawam Lions Club that has been serving food to hungry visitors since 1961. From a humble concrete brick building to a major concession stand, The Lions Club has come up with several creative dishes with its newest, the “All in a Cone.”

The name is quite fitting for this food that includes macaroni and cheese and bacon bits in a warm bread cone.

Want to know what else is good? Just look for the longest line!

One fair goer waited in line for 15 minutes to try the new cone and was very happy with her purchase.

“It’s so warm and delicious, the ultimate comfort food. It reminds me of something my mother would make… only better!” joked Caroline Rivera of Ludlow.

There seemed to be an all around agreement with the rest of the customers. Along with the dinner in a cone was a “dessert in a cone,” the perfect ending to a geometric meal.

What would a fair be without anything fried?

Another anticipated favorite is the deep-fried apple pie at the coffee break, giving a new spin on an old classic. Promising to be sweet and crunchy, yet slightly salty and savory, the fried apple pie was a hit with the younger crowd.

Noah Crosby of Springfield had a blast digging into his deep-fried goodness.

“It’s very good, I could probably eat a whole pie of this,” said young Crosby with his parents and younger sister who also had kind words for the tasty treat.

Rounding out the deep-fried lineup are items such as deep-fried pickles, Oreos, Nutella, Brownie Bits, peanut butter and banana sandwiches, and many more.

For those wanting something a little more on the creative side, there were plenty of interesting snacks to choose from, including:

The fried martini from the V1 vodka bar, the make your own choco-bacon at the Ultimate BBQ, Maple bacon waffle sundae at Amy’s Sweet Treat’s, a 10oz ribeye on the bone at The Meatball Factory, and the Garbage Bowl at White Hut.