Keeping a tradition
One of the first dates I asked JoAnne to go on was to the Steuben County Fair. We remember eating spaghetti at an Italian stand where I learned how to twirl spaghetti on my fork against a spoon rather than cut it up. After that, one of our annual dates was a trip to the New York State Fair. While we lived in Syracuse, we kept this tradition going by visiting the fair annually. We love ogling all the exhibits. JoAnne seeks out the needlework shows since that is one of her hobbies. I love the farm animal and farm equipment exhibits because of my farm upbringing. Both of us enjoy historical and travel exhibits and some vendors exhibits, though there are always more of these latter type than anyone can handle. We admit, we missed our traditional trip to the NYS Fair this year. But when we heard about the Big E, an exposition for all six New England states, we jumped at the chance to go. Maybe this would be much like the Fair.
The Big E
JoAnne and I arrived through gate 10 in the late morning on Friday, Sept. 27. It was about the only day we were free to go. But the weather was perfect and it was the day the big horses were showing –perfect for me. We start with the nearest farm building which today houses an eclectic collection of alpacas, goats, and sheep. We ask a question or two of an alpaca keeper and go through the wool exhibit too. Outside is the butter sculpture. Now there is a memory—there is always a butter sculpture at the NYS State fair too. We’re feeling right at home. We make our way to the farm-arama building where our friend Harrison Griffin is in charge. We are delighted with the family friendly and varied agricultural theme of the building. I love the chick hatchery and the old Mack truck too.
My favorite
At the coliseum the draft horse hitches are showing. What a great day to come for me. I could watch them all afternoon. My camera does not quite get the job done but I try anyway. (It didn’t in Syracuse at the draft horse show either.) The horses are so powerful. They are so well trained too. JoAnne humors me but is clearly bored and ready for a new venue after about the third class.
Other things
The petting zoo was probably the best one I have seen. The variety of animals is excellent and it is a little more spacious than they usually are too. Next to it there are not only pony rides and a camel ride but also an elephant ride. I have to take a picture. We move on to the big buildings representing each of the six states covered by the Big E. Most were filled with seemingly unrelated vendors and we are disappointed with the lack of logical connection with the states. The exceptions are Massachusetts which had a large central display of brochures of parks etc. and Maine. If we were not so full we would eat lobster rolls and blueberry pie in the Maine building. Next year……..
Heading home
So by late afternoon we were headed home, hand in hand, having kept our tradition of big fair dates for one more year. I think we’ll plan to check out the Big E next year too. Is it a date my love?
The gallery has a few pictures I took.
