The Big E, New England’s colossal fair, is set to open its gates this Friday and among the attractions, the Massachusetts Building will stand as a point of interest celebrating the state's rich agricultural heritage and economy, a tradition tracing back to 1919. Visitors to the fair, which runs until September 28, can explore the newly reopened building housing 39 diverse vendors offering everything from food to locally crafted goods. According to the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, attendees can feast on lobster rolls, Finnish pancakes, sample honey, and more while browsing handcrafted items like baseball bats and jewelry.
Enthusiasm for The Big E’s variety of local products the Massachusetts Building will showcase is coursing through state officials. It’s a real-world marketplace where entrepreneurs can test, sell and grow, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll highlighted, describing the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources’ space as a hive of business opportunity. Visitors can not only satisfy their palates with flavors such as locally made maple syrup and lobster rolls or indulge in retail therapy with handcrafted chocolates, but they can also engage with local agricultural non-profits and government agencies, providing a glimpse into the state's economic fabric. Additionally, a beer garden will be set up, pouring craft beer that uses local grains from Western Massachusetts.
Special days marked on the fair's calendar include Military Appreciation Day on September 12, Massachusetts Day on September 18, and Harvest New England Day on September 26 which will feature specific events and programming as told by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources. In line with the celebrations, the 2025 Big E also highlights Massachusetts’ Year of Youth in Agriculture, giving young agricultural leaders a platform through 4-H and FFA student competitions. Governor Maura Healey focused on the broader significance, asserting "At the Big E, we’re telling a bigger story – one of tradition, innovation and the drive that continues to shape who we are."
Behind this celebration of heritage and economic vitality is a narrative rooted in Massachusetts' history, as Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper pointed out regarding the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources: From cultural foods to local small businesses, there is a wide range of things to try and explore, emphasizing the diversity and creativity of the state. Similarly, the Massachusetts Building stands as a testament to over a century of continuous showcases of Massachusetts' uniqueness in agriculture and commerce, according to MDAR Commissioner Ashley Randle. This deep-rooted appreciation extends to the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism Executive Director Kate Fox's acknowledgment that tourism and agriculture have combined to create enduring memories over the years.
The Massachusetts Building at The Big E will welcome guests daily from 10AM to 9PM. For anyone planning to immerse themselves in this cultural and economic fiesta, key information on directions, parking, and tickets is available at the Big E’s website.
