I’d like to start this article off by letting everyone know that I am not a native of Connecticut, or apparently any north eastern state. That’s right, I come from the exotic shores of New Jersey. And the first I had ever even heard of the Big E was mid October, freshman year. I was immediately intrigued at the thought of a massive regional fair, encompassing everything from “fresh fried veggies” to watching chicks hatch to riding an elephant! I knew I just had to go. Fast forward two years, and there I was, finally ready to see for myself what all the excitement was about… too bad we were stuck in traffic.
Word to the wise, if you’re planning on visiting (especially during a weekend) make sure to head out early or plan for a good hour of traffic. Because it’ll happen. Also, park at one of the lots that proclaim $10 or $15 parking, because there may be a pretty good chance that the main $10 lot will be closed. In which case, you’ll be forced to pay the $20 fee for a pretty sketchy looking side lot.
Finally, we were able to get onto the actual fairground. It was loud and featured stands in literally every direction. And with no map (although they do sell maps for a donation), we were ready to get lost. There’s a lot of walking around, skirting folks eating turkey legs or funnel cakes, as I tried to really take in all of the sights and smells at the fair. There’s a fair amount of shopping, especially if you go inside. Although I’m not sure why you would need to buy a non-stick frying pan at the Big E, it definitely shows that there’s something for everyone.
However, the best part of the indoor attractions would be the states. Like who knew legos came from Connecticut? Or that maple cotton candy is even a thing? Thanks to Vermont, I know can appreciate even more so the joy of maple anything. The state buildings were definitely the coolest part of the entire fair, mostly because they gave out a TON of delicious free food and even taught us a little bit about each state. They were pretty crowded, but then again, the entire fair is pretty crowded.
While the states give an original perspective to what is otherwise just a large county fair, there is something else that set the Big E apart: the food. Do you want clams? Got that. How about a donut infused with ice cream and topped with pretty much anything you could want? Welcome to the Moo-nut. Feeling a burger or maybe a plastic bucket full of fries? Check any corner. This place had every food I could think of, and then some.
It ranged from Italian to Polish to Greek and back again. Bake potatoes stuffed with anything, and let’s not forget the BBQ sundae. If that wasn’t the most beautiful sight, I don’t know what is. These people certainly outdo themselves and it is something you need to take advantage of. I know we’re all interested in staying healthy (especially with the college 15 seemingly lurking around every corner), but everyone could use a cheat day, right? Besides, all that walking has to pay off somehow!
But before you start in on that donut burger with the large slushie, it might be a good time to check out the carnival. That’s right, this place comes with rides that will 100% take you back to childhood town carnivals, where you dared each other to sit on the highest seat of the pirate ship and ran through the fun house maze. If you’re not into rides, you can also try your hand at winning a massive stuffed animal that you won’t know what to do with.
However, these rides all cost extra, and tickets can add up quickly. If you’re looking to try and keep a budget, I would say this is a fun area to simply walk through. Save your money for the food. If you want something else to do, be sure to check out the agricultural Farm-A-Rama! The animals are absolutely adorable (and free). You can see beautiful Clydesdales, piglets with their mother, and even chicks hatching. And when I say chickens hatching, I mean literally hatching right before your very eyes. There are also fabulous and very impressive pumpkins you can vote on.
All in all, it was definitely an experience I will never forget. At the same time, I was a bit underwhelmed. If you’re not eating or paying for something, you’re basically just walking in circles. The animals are interesting and the state buildings are definitely original, but how long does all that really take? It’s something you need to do, but once may just be enough.