Everything you need to know about The Big E opening day
WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – The Big E opens Friday, bringing millions of people to western Massachusetts.
Gates open at 8 a.m., beginning the 17-day run of rides, food, agriculture, and celebration of New England. This year’s fair brings 13 new food vendors, an impressive lineup of performers including Ludacris, Big Time Rush, Diplo, and Dustin Lynch, and a renovated Connecticut Building.
The renovation is the building’s first significant interior update in 30 years, including a refreshed interior, an interactive area, and the first-ever “Shop CT” experience featuring Connecticut branded merchandise.
New Clydesdales to debut at The Big E Fair
This first day of the fair is Military Appreciation Day, offering free admission for active duty and retired military personnel and dependents with a military ID.
Also, the 2024 American Honey Queen will pay a visit. Kaelyn Sumner will speak to fairgoers about the importance of honeybees and how they impact Massachusetts’ agriculture.
Now with all these attractions bringing in large crowds, it’s important to look out for yourself and others.
The Big E Traffic Map
Here’s a live look at the fairgrounds.
Cars parked on these West Springfield streets during The Big E will be ticketed or towed
The Big E always means an increase in traffic in the area. The worst of it is usually on Memorial Avenue on weekends. and at night when everyone’s leaving. West Springfield has changed traffic flow in some areas to avoid backups.
Vaccinations at The Big E
Also happening at The Big E is a vaccine clinic that will give out free up-to-date Covid-19 and flu shots. The state public health department says 110 people have died from covid since July. They’re reminding everyone that vaccines are available and critical to stopping the spread.
Free flu and COVID vaccines available during The Big E
At The Big E, the vaccine clinic will be held every day from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the front lawn of the New England Grange building. Vaccines are free of charge and they’re even giving out $10 Starbucks gift cards to everyone who gets their shot.
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