The Big E!

The Big E – West Springfield, MA

Last weekend, I went with my boyfriend to the Big E in West Springfield. It is a huge annual carnival/fair ordeal. This was my second year going and I loved it! We got there around noon, which was a big mistake because there is so much traffic. Always try to go as early as you can to avoid traffic and to get good parking spots. We arrived with his mom and parked in a residential lot. My boyfriend’s uncle owns Cerrato’s Pastry Shop which has a stand in the Big E. So his grandfather was able to get us in for free. However, his mom also had tickets that you can buy discounted at the Big Y grocery market beforehand. Tickets at the gate are usually $15. But it’s worth it! After stopping by the pastry shop for a cannoli and tiramisu, we met up with some of our other friends from Western New England. We went in all the buildings, saw all the animals, saw some parades, ate lots of carnie food, went on rides, and even got a caricature done! We stayed there until about 8:30 PM and we were all exhausted afterwards. It was a really great way to spend a Saturday.

I’m staying on campus for this long weekend and am participating in the Alternative Fall Break Program. We are going to the Children’s Study Home here in Springfield and are volunteering there during the day. I’m sure it will be both fun and rewarding!

Cheers,

Brandi