What exactly is The Big E?
The Big E is the annual fair produced by the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Massachusetts. Eastern States Exposition traces its history to 1916 and was created with a mission centered on agriculture, education and the people and traditions of New England. Today, the organization remains a nonprofit educational institution.
And unlike a traditional state fair representing just one state, The Big E brings together all six New England states—Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont.
That makes it a particularly fitting place to celebrate craftsmanship.
A New England Tradition More Than a Century Old
The story of Eastern States Exposition began with founder Joshua L. Brooks. His vision extended beyond creating an annual fair; he wanted a place where New England's agriculture, industry, innovation and individual state identities could be brought together.
One of the most distinctive results of that vision is today's Avenue of States, where visitors can explore buildings representing each of the six New England states.
The Massachusetts Building, dedicated in 1919, helped launch the Avenue of States and was designed as an almost exact replica of the Old Massachusetts State House. The Avenue was ultimately completed in 1957 with the dedication of the Rhode Island Building, modeled after Newport's Old State House.
Today, The Big E has grown enormously, combining agriculture and livestock with entertainment, food, shopping, history, education—and the creative work of New England artisans. The Exposition describes the 2026 event as the fourth-largest fair in North America.
Where Handcrafted Art Still Matters
This is the part of The Big E story that is particularly close to my heart.
The Exposition's Creative Arts competitions celebrate handmade work in a remarkable variety of forms. The Big E describes the program as a showcase for New England artisans and includes everything from quilting and lacework to photography and other forms of creative work.