The Big E kicks off with new rides, food, and music!

WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Friday marks the first day of The Big E! It starts a weeks-long celebration of New England’s great state fair.

Friday has truly been the perfect first day of the Big E. The weather is definitely on our side! The sun is shining and people are smiling from ear to ear happy to be back.

There’s a whole lot in store this season. The Big E comes back to town with a slew of new rides, food, and entertainment. The classic fan favorites like cream puffs and corn dogs will make a return this year.

This year’s opening day is also Military Appreciation Day, the fair honored our veterans and active military personnel through discounted tickets and a resource fair. We spoke to service members today about the significance of this day to them.

Gates opened at 8 a.m., beginning the 17-day run of rides, food, agriculture, and celebration of New England. The Big E is a time-honored tradition everyone comes to the fairgrounds for different reasons, to visit the statehouses, see the farm animals, or enjoy some delicious and delectable treats. 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.

With larger crowds coming through the Big E you should expect some traffic on the roads so it’s important to pack your patience.

Also definitely dress comfortably as you head out to the fair on Friday night. The Big E does have a real-time traffic map on its website to help you find the easiest way to make it there.

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