The 'BIG E", New England's "EASTERN STATES EXPOSITION" promotes WINE and CHEESE by Philip S. Kampe

The "BIG E" is New England's answer to the question, "WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THE FARM AND AGRICULTURAL WORLD IN VERMONT, NEW HAMPSHIRE, CONNECTICUT, MAINE, RHODE ISLAND and MASSACHUSETTS?". The fair has promoted farming and agricultural competitions, technology and everything related since 1917.

This year the "EASTERN STATES EXPOSITION" runs until October 2nd and is located in West Springfield, Massachusetts. Over one and a quarter million people attended this two week event in 2010. With cool weather to start this year's event, a record-setting crowd gathers daily to witness the fairs most popular traditions, including horse shows, livestock displays, petting zoos and concerts featuring country and popular stars.

This year a wine competition took place with 364 entries. Winners from the "BIG E" states included a Cranberry wine made by WINTERPORT WINERY of Winterport, Maine; Connecticut's winners included SHAPE HILL VINEYARDS Cuvee Ammi Philips and HOPKINS VINEYARD 2007 Estate Grown Vidal Blanc Ice wine; TRURO VINEYARDS Diamond White of Cape Cod took Massachusetts honors, while New Hampshire's JEWELL TOWN VINEYARDS'S Vidal Blanc took top honors; SAKONNET VINEYARDS Vidal Blanc 2009 won for Rhode Island's Best wine. Rounding out New England's winners was Vermont's EAST SHORE VINEYARD of Grand Isle's Traminette.

ALL WINES CAN BE PURCHASED AT THE MALLARY WINE SHOP at the Fair, located near the rotunda of the Mallary Complex. Bottle and Competition Winners will be on display.

The "BIG E'S" highly contested Cheese Competition lured 119 entries. BONNE BOUCHE from the Vermont Butter and Cheese Company won as "BEST IN SHOW".

The BIG E'S "AVENUE OF STATES" features replicas of the six Eastern States Capitols that make-up the fair. Each state house represents what goes on in each state through commerce, state police, food and products that are typical of that state.
Maine's potato concession is as popular as Vermont's Ben & Jerry's ice cream shop.
There is something for everyone.

Visit the BIG E'S website at: www.thebige.com to learn about "NEW ENGLAND'S GREATEST FAIR".

The drive from New York is under 2 1/2 hours and a little over an hour and a quarter from Boston.

Tickets are $15 a person and $10 for kids 12 and under...

PHILIP S. KAMPE
philip.kampe@thewinehub.com