The Big-E takes place every year in West Springfield, Massachusetts. Fair-goers and foodies come from all over the northeast just to experience the sights, sounds, and mostly the tastes of this annual fair. This year, I made it my mission to curate a list of my top 10 Big-E bites.
- giant MOZZARELLA stick
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Sometimes bigger is better, and that’s definitely true at Angelas’. Nearly a foot long, this massive snack is quite the experience. As someone who’s not a huge mozzarella fan, even I have to admit that it was pretty delicious. Whether you’re a cheese fan or just looking to try some different fair food, the giant mozzarella stick is a bite you won’t want to miss.
- tangulu
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Tangulu seemingly took TikTok by storm in 2024, when the glossy, sugar-coated fruit skewers went viral for their satisfying ASMR crunch. Found in the Crazy Boba Booth, this snack is a fun and different treat that’s worth trying at least once. Although it isnt a traditional fair staple, it adds a viral twist to the Big-E’s lineup of must-try snacks.
- Mac and cheese with a twist
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Found in the Agawam Lions Club building, the mac and cheese bread cone is a classic with a creative twist. The cone features pasta that is coated in white cheddar and topped with crispy bacon bits. It’s a simple comfort food done completely right, and it’s definitely worth a try the next time you’re craving comfort food at the fair.
- Maple cotton candy
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The Maple Cotton Candy from Ferrindino Maple is some of the best you’ll find at the Big-E. Located inside the Better Living Center, this booth puts a delightful twist on the classic of cotton candy. The Ferrindino Maple business is also both family and locally owned and operated. Delicious and served with a smile, the Maple Cotton Candy is a must-try.
- toasted caramel marshmallows
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Handmade with love, the Vermont Marshmallow Company serves unique and tasty marshmallows. Each marshmallow is toasted to order by hand. The caramel marshmallows provide a warm, comforting, snack with a balanced smoky flavor. Whether you’re a die-hard marshmallow fan or just searching for something nostalgic and delicious, the Vermont Marshmallow Company is well worth a stop.
- classic pretzel
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Sometimes you just need something simple and satisfying, and after a day of rides and excitement, nothing hits quite like a classic pretzel. While there are many spots to get a pretzel around the Big-E, my favorite is the bites from Sweet and Salty. Whether you’re winding down from the rides or simply craving something a little more simplistic, these pretzel bites deliver exactly what a great fair snack should.
- maine baked potato
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Walk anywhere near the Maine building, and the winding line is impossible to miss, all for one beloved Big-E staple. The famous Maine baked potato is a fair tradition that everyone needs to experience at least once. For just $8, you get one and a half steaming hot potatoes generously loaded with your choice of liquid cheese, butter, chives, bacon bits, and sour cream. Consistently serving fresh and unbelievably delicious baked potatoes, the stand sells thousands daily. The Maine baked potato, will always be love at first bite.
- garlic bread bowl
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When you picture fair food, Italian cuisine probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. Delucas, however, is changing that one bread bowl at a time. The star of the menu is a garlic bread bowl filled to the brim with pasta, meatballs, and marinara. Even after sampling all of the other fair favorites, this dish is nearly impossible to stop eating until every last bite is gone.
- classic apple cider slush
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Tucked in the back of the Vermont state building, the apple cider booth keeps things simple yet never disappoints. My go-to is the classic apple cider slush, a perfect refreshing choice while still savoring the taste of fall. Nothing beats the freshness, taste, and autumn feel of an apple cider slush in the state buildings.
- handpies
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Based in Agawam, Massachusetts, Joey’s Deli and Market certainly did not disappoint. Located in the Massachusetts building, this family-owned business offered delicious handheld comfort foods with a twist. With a variety of fillings, these offer a twist on a classic. Aditionally, the staff are extremely friendly. After all, who doesn’t love to support a local family-owned business with amazing food in the foodie capital of New England?
Every vendor and small business involved in the Eastern States Exposition brings a piece of New England’s pride together. From baked potatoes to cotton candy, the Big-E proves year after year that it truly has something for every foodie fairgoer.
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