Final day of the 2024 Big E closes strong with Big Time Rush concert sold out

WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Sunday is your last chance to experience everything The Big E Fair has to offer.

There is just one day left to get to New England’s greatest fair, and many exciting events are awaiting this final day.

Sunday is Special Olympics Day at The Big E. This Salute to Special Olympics will invite athletes to explore the fairgrounds and march in the parade in celebration of the spirit of the Special Olympics. Then Big Time Rush takes to the Big E Arena to close out the fair.

This year, The Big E broke seven attendance records over it’s 17-day run this year, and Sunday just might bring another. 2024 attendance totals just over 1.5 million people, and the all-time single-day attendance record was set last Saturday with 178,608 people through the gates.

This final day is fairgoers’ last chance to explore the Midway, check out local vendors, and try every iconic fair food on your list.

One of the most popular fair foods is the ‘Craz-E Burger’. This year’s up tick in attendance combined with its new location in the Better Living Center made it even more sought out.

“From what we’ve been hearing from vendors that have been in the building for years that they’re seeing an increase in traffic flow that’s coming,” said EJ Dean, owner of the Big E’s “Emporium”. “They attribute a lot of that to the ‘Craz-E Burger’ being inside the building.”

But, there is much to be celebrated beyond the big eats.

Sunday is Special Olympics Day at the fair, and athletes are invited to explore the magic of the fairgrounds and march in the parade.

“It feels good to have that celebration here,” said Special Olympics athlete Pauline Belancer. “I like the parade a lot. They do a lot, they throw these beads at you and I really do like it. It’s really nice.”

At its core, the Big E is a celebration of the New England’s agricultural history. On this last day of the Big E, farmers reminding fairgoers to continue supporting local agriculture all year round.

“Farmers really support the local economy,” said goat farmer Valerie Highley. “They put so much work into their every day. Any attention and support that they can receive from the community will definitely be helpful.”

The Big E generates hundreds of millions of dollars in economic activity, and this uptick in attendance may bring the largest boost to the region yet. For farmers and local vendors, the fair is a spotlight on the essential work they do to keep their communities thriving.

On this final day of the fair, expect crowds, and try to stay patient. Leave early, and have a plan to park.

What time do the gates and buildings open?

• The gates open at 8:00 a.m. every day.
• The Big E Bakery is open from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 p.m.
• The Buildings and Craft Common is open from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
• The Avenue of States and Storrowton Village Museum & Shops is open from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• The New England Center is open from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• The Midway is open Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m., and Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.

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