By Jason Alwang, Staff Writer
After taking the year off due to COVID-19, the BIG E — the big state fair — is back in Massachusetts with new stuff for all ages! There are live performances, demonstrations, rides, food, and so much more.
So many across New England are happy the BIG E is back. The opening weekend numbers show this because the attendance was quite high. The BIG E had a total of 268,322 guests, including 81,993 on opening night! It shows not only how popular this fair is, but how many people missed it.
This year Massachusetts has to have some COVID-19 rules and regulations in order for guests to be safe but still have a good time. Masks are not required outside, but when inside buildings you must wear a mask. However, the staff there doesn’t seem to enforce those rules and some people have not worn their mask.
From an anonymous person who attended the BIG E on Saturday they said, “More people were wearing masks in the morning hours than the afternoon hours.” It doesn’t sound like people have been fully abiding by the rules, but the staff has been told to give gentle reminders to people who don’t comply.
Also, new this year is even more live entertainment! Artists Machine Gun Kelly and Billy Idol have already performed and others such as the Goo Goo Dolls and STYX will be performing towards the back half of the fair’s two-week experience.
Perhaps a lot of guests’ favorite when coming to the BIG E is the food! There is a lot of food available throughout the BIG E by visiting a food truck or going into the state buildings.
One of the more popular food items, the Maine baked potato, always seems to have a long line because of the good reviews they receive. From the same anonymous source, she said, “It was very tasty and they have a lot of different toppings to choose from.” She also said how it was a long line but moved fast — so the service was efficient.
There are many things to do at the BIG E, so if you don’t have anything to do for a day, head on down to the BIG E and enjoy food, live performances, and so much more from today until October 3.
