Big E’s Harvest New England Day pays homage to our region’s farmers

WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Friday was Harvest New England Day at the Big E, celebrating New England’s rich agriculture. It’s an event that pays homage to our region’s farmers.

The Avenue of States hosts this day on the last Friday of the fair each year. Inside each state building visitors got to learn about the products they consume and the people behind them.

“This has been great, the fair has been great, well attended and we’re always excited to come out here and provide people with a crop they love,” said President of the Hampden County Beekeepers Association, Nathan Sperry.

It was a day of celebration for New England’s agricultural abundance and its hardworking farmers. The Big E gave farmers the chance to show people what they do every day to keep us fed.

“We produce honey we assist in pollination and in pollination services for farmers and growers all throughout Hampden County,” said Sperry.

“We are maple producers so everything we produce is right in Mass. Everything is organic as you can get as it comes directly from the trees,” added the Manager of the Massachusetts Maple booth, Bobby Scott. “We have tons of different products whether it’s like candies or cream things you can use in several different ways.”

From honey to maple syrup, the Massachusetts building was filled with a variety of locally grown and produced goods, giving visitors a taste of the region’s rich farming heritage. “Agriculture is so important to the state, we need to make sure we are celebrating those farmers and that we are buying their local product and keeping them surviving because that’s sustainability and keeps our state going,” said Massachusetts Building Manager, Fran Pearson.

This support especially helps farmers who may have been impacted by flooding in western Massachusetts last year.

Pearson adds that sustainable agriculture also means a healthier future for generations to come. “It wiped out a lot of crops so to get people back out onto the farm and to support those it’s important,” added Pearson.

And if you’re looking to still attend the Big E, you have just two days left. Saturday will be Hooplandia Day and on Sunday is Salute to Special Olympics.

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