Parking 
The Big E has a huge lot at Gate 9, and charges $10 to park. I suggest parking in a private lot past Gate 9 on the right, outside of Gates 4 or 1. These are not Big E-sanctioned lots, but owned by local businesses or homeowners. You can park for as little as $3, unless you'd like to be on the main road and that will run about $5-$15. The walk is shorter to the gate, and you'll be more centrally located once you enter the festival. This makes for a quicker getaway when you are all tired at the end of the day. 

Activities
Like other fairs, The Big E has a slew of rides, games, animal exhibits and concerts. But what sets the event apart are the permanent exhibits and parades. The Avenue of States is a row of houses that represent each New England state. Connecticut, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Maine, Massachusetts and Vermont are housed in life-size replicas of each state's original capitol. As you stroll through, you'll learn about the history, attractions, products, food and state pride the people possess. Vendors are available and here is where you'll find some of the Big E's best food. More on that later. One other tip - the state houses can get extremely crowded and I have found strollers only hinder your travels in there. Park them outside. 

Across from the Avenue of States, you'll find Storrowton Village and Museum. This trip back in time was established to teach children about life in the 1800's. The volunteer docents will give you a tour and history lesson as you walk through an authentic meetinghouse, school, blacksmith shop, mansion and law office. Exhibits and displays presented by folks in traditional garb will make you long for the days with no IPhones. This area also has shopping, dining, a beer garden, children's games and a village green where you can enjoy live musical performances at the Storrowton Gazebo. 

The Big E has two daily parades, including the Mardi Gras parade complete with bead throwers and authentic New Orleans custom-made floats. They travel the perimeter of the park, so you are likely to get a great view no matter your location. 

Another must see is the Farm-A-Rama building. Exhibiting the fair's agricultural roots, here you'll meet baby chicks, giant Clydesdales, beekeepers, llamas and more. Try your hand at milking a model cow and see how giant crops and landscape ideas are born.  

Food 
It is best to put the diet on hold for the day when you visit the Big E. The greasy goodness gets the most hype here, but there are plenty of options. Now that I am a Big E veteran, I know not to bother with the ho-hum fair food. I am specific as to what I go for. My top choices:

• Corn dogs from Super Dog - I've lived in the south, where corn dogs are king. Hands down this is the best one - EVER. My husband has transported extra ones home at the end of the day. 
• Smoked Salmon on a Stick - Maine house. Healthy, delicious and can eat on the go. 
• Apple crisp - Vermont house. Tasty and maybe a little healthy? No, probably not, but it feels good to eat fruit here. 
• Maple Cotton Candy - Vermont and New Hampshire state houses. A fair favorite with a New England twist. 
• Clam cakes and Del's frozen lemonade - Rhode Island house. Once we tried these little fritters of love, we were hooked. And this is the real lemonade with bits of lemon like you can only find in the Ocean State. 

The Big E offers several adult beverage options, including beer gardens throughout the park. Martini tents, wine and other cocktails are abundant. Beer starts at $6, with the other libations costing slightly more. One year we blew our ride budget on the drinks, but luckily there are ATMs readily available. 

Cost
The Big E can certainly put a large hole in the wallet if you don't plan correctly.
Admission: Adults - $15; children (6-12) - $10; Five and under - free. Monday through Thursday, you can get in for $6 after 5pm. Ride tickets are $1.25 each, but we saved money by purchasing the all-you-can-ride wristband for $25. Bottled water will run you $2.50-$3 each, so I suggest packing a bag with some and other snacks for the kids. Food prices were pretty standard, with the state-house specialties costing a little more. 

Crowds 
Like anything else, the weekends can be very, very busy. If you have to go on a weekend, plan to get there as soon as they open. If you can take a day or half day off during the week, that would be ideal! I've been on both weekends and weekdays, and the slower days are more enjoyable. Just watch out for traffic on Connecticut Day, as this brings in many bands and families from the Nutmeg State. 

The Big E
1305 Memorial Avenue (Rte. 147)
West Springfield, MA 01089
(413) 737-2443
Info Line: (413) 205-5115