State Officials Celebrate Massachusetts Day at Big E Massachusetts Building Highlights Agricultural Businesses across State
WEST SPRINGFIELD – Today, Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton,
Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) Commissioner John Lebeaux
and other state officials attended Massachusetts Day at the Big E to highlight
support for the economic development of Massachusetts agriculture. The officials
kicked off the day with a speaking program on the lawn of the Massachusetts
Building.
«The Big E is a perfect opportunity for fairgoers to learn about the many diverse
businesses here in Massachusetts producing high-quality local products,» said
Governor Charlie Baker. «Our administration is dedicated to supporting and
promoting Massachusetts’ vibrant agricultural industry, and we encourage all
residents to visit the Big E and buy local, whether from the Massachusetts Building
or your local farmers’ market.»
«Massachusetts Day is an opportunity to celebrate Massachusetts farms and our focus
on selling fresh food products to people across the Commonwealth,» said Lieutenant
Governor Polito. «The Big E is a great tradition and an opportunity for fairgoers
and consumers to support and learn about Massachusetts businesses.»
The Massachusetts State Exposition Building is one of six original statehouse
replicas representing each of the New England States that are located on the Eastern
States Exposition fairgrounds’ «Avenue of States.» During the Big E, the
Massachusetts building showcases the finest in Massachusetts agriculture, culture,
commerce, and tourism through informational, educational, promotional and retail
exhibits. Last year, the Big E attracted over 1.4 million visitors.
«We are proud to be a part of Massachusetts Day at the Big E to show our support for
the Massachusetts agricultural industry and this exciting local fair that’s been
held for over 100 years,» said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew
Beaton. «The Big E is a great opportunity for Massachusetts’ agricultural businesses
to gain exposure and market their locally grown and made products.»
Visitors to the Massachusetts building can enjoy exploring the offerings of the many
agricultural commodity groups and commercial vendors set up to sell and promote
Massachusetts products, like maple syrup, Finnish pancakes, bread pudding, honey,
dairy products, fruit, wine, lobster rolls, chili and variety of baked goods.
Massachusetts small businesses also sell a variety of locally made goods such as
braided rugs, hand crafted candles, soaps, chocolate and jewelry.
«Each year the Massachusetts State Exposition Building highlights the wide array of
products and services that Massachusetts has to offer,» said MDAR Commissioner John
Lebeaux. «I encourage all fairgoers to visit the Massachusetts Building to support
local businesses and learn something new about the state.»
The presence of the Massachusetts State Exposition Building at The Big E Fair and
the thousands of visitors that it attracts are important to the Massachusetts
economy. According to the MA Office of Travel and Tourism, tourism in the state
generates $1.2 billion in state and local taxes and $19.5 billion in travel related
expenditures, supporting 132,000 in-state jobs. This year the Massachusetts State
Exposition Building will provide space for over 30 local businesses, state agencies,
and agriculture associations to promote their products and engage visitors in what
makes Massachusetts a destination state to visit.
«Visitors to The Big E can expect a genuine Bay State welcome at the Massachusetts
Building, which showcases our most iconic destinations and businesses,» said
Francois-Laurent Nivaud, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Office of Travel &
Tourism (MOTT). «MOTT is proud to be part of this New England tradition and our
staff will be on site to share their knowledge about vacation destinations,
itineraries and travel offers to make your visit to Massachusetts unforgettable.»
This year in the Massachusetts State Exposition building is a Dr. Seuss-themed
installation to celebrate the recent opening of the «Amazing World of Dr. Seuss
Museum» at the Springfield Museums. The installation will showcase the whimsical
worlds and characters from the many Dr. Seuss books enjoyed by multiple generations.
There will also be historical information on the creator of the books, Theodore
Seuss Geisel, and how his childhood in Springfield, MA influenced the imagery and
themes of his popular books.
«It is an honor to be featured in the Massachusetts Building,» said Springfield
Museums President Kay Simpson. «We are excited to represent one of the many reasons
Massachusetts is a great place to be.»