Governor promotes Maine products at The Big E
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Gov. Paul R. LePage and Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Commissioner Walt Whitcomb promoted Maine products Saturday at The Eastern States Exposition, known as “The Big E,” in Springfield, Mass.
Saturday was “Maine Day” at the largest fair in the Northeast.
“The Big E is a great way to promote Maine companies, products and outdoor recreational opportunities in a fair-like environment,” said LePage. “It helps our economy by supporting Maine businesses and providing exposure to what we have to offer as a state.”
Whitcomb emphasized the significance of the governor’s visit to The Big E.
“The importance of Gov. LePage’s presence here cannot be understated,” said Whitcomb. “Wherever he goes, the governor energetically pursues opportunities to create new business opportunities and strengthen existing ones.”
Whitcomb also highlighted the many Maine food products that could be sampled in the State of Maine building at The Big E.
“Fair visitors enjoyed seeing and tasting Maine potatoes, blueberries and last year’s winner of the ‘most healthy food at the fair,’ Maine salmon,” Whitcomb said.
A record number of visitors attended this year’s 17-day fair breaking the all-time high attendance figure, with a final tally of 1,481,917. The previous record, set in 2012 of 1,365,896, was actually surpassed by closing on Saturday. On Sunday, attendance was 105,121 on the final day of The Big E.
Eugene J. Cassidy, president and chief executive officer of the Exposition, said, “This was the biggest Fair in our history and its success is attributable to a wonderful staff of volunteers, employees and a supportive community.”
The famous Maine baked potato always had long lines of fair-goers waiting to indulge. Statistics provided by The Big E note that 45 tons of potatoes, 9,270 pounds of sour cream, 4,356 pounds of cheddar cheese, 5,100 pounds of butter, 68 pounds of bacon bits and 62 pounds of chives were consumed over the course of the fair.
The Eastern States Exposition began in the fall of 1917. Maine became the second state to have its own building on the Avenue of States in 1925 after the Maine Legislature approved a sum of $25,000, matched by private businesses in the state, for the construction of an exhibition hall.
Each New England state has its own building on the Avenue of States, as well as its own “state day” during the course of the 17-day event.
