Every year, my friends and I pick a day and all eat an absurd amount of food at the Big E. Surprisingly, we’ve been able to maintain this tradition all through college and, so far, beyond. I literally hope to be 101 years old eating delicious ~unhealthy~ food at the Big E. Literally! I l o v e going. Don’t know what the Big E is? Well, if you’re from New England (Specifically, Connecticut and Massachusetts), the Big E is one of the *biggest* events of the year.
Essentially, it’s a fair. But, it’s the BEST fair. I took my NYU friends there my senior year of college, and I think they were all genuinely surprised by how much fun it was. My friend from Argentina literally described it as like being in an American movie. Which is, honestly, pretty accurate. To be honest, I don’t really play the games or go on the rides. Mainly because the rides look rickety and thrown together (except the big yellow slide – that does not count as a ride, and it is a must) and I’m not looking to eat all that food then get dizzy.
After our experience this weekend, my friends and I have made a vow to only go to the Big E towards the end of the season. This past weekend, it was just too hot. I used to pick cute sweaters and bean boots to wear to the Big E. This year, I literally wore one of Jake’s t-shirts with some shorts. I have to admit, it wasn’t quite as lovely eating my Maine Baked Potato with sweat dripping down my face, but it tasted delicious all the same.
The Big E has a lot of vendors and booths with food from all over. However, they also have beautiful brick buildings, one for each New England state, filled with food and handmade items from specifically that state. I always love walking through each of the buildings to start off my Big E day. However, I always buy two food items from the Maine building. The Maine Baked Potato (the line moves quickly – don’t let it stop you) and the Wild Blueberries blueberry pie with ice cream. Literally my two first items and absolute must haves for the day! This pie is the pie that made my realize that blueberry pie is #1 favorite type of pie. Their berries are so tiny and it is just too delicious! I always consider buying a second slice.
After eating these two items in what was definitely too short of a time span, I moved on to a *lighter* meal of a measly three pirogies, made by Millie’s Pirogies. These are definitely my favorite pirogies of all time and, if you live in the area, a lot of grocery stores sell them fresh. When I make them at home, I usually just pan fry them with some sautéd onions. Delish! Plus, sour cream, obviously.
After my pirogie run, I took a break for a bit and complained about the heat. THEN, Jake and I split this mac and cheese cone from the Agawam Lions Club. I didn’t eat the cone (not my thing), but Jake and I reallllllly enjoyed the mac and cheese. I drenched it in pepper, because that’s how I eat the majority of the cheesy pasta I consume. I would for sure get this one again!
Incase you’re already judging me for how much I ate, I’m going to remind you I spend hours at the Big E. Regardless, this is probably the amount of food I should be eating over three days. However, I was hungry again and, this time, opted for what I usually end the night with. The one, the only, FRIED OREOS. Fried Oreos are an essential carnival food I started eating in high school. If you have never had one, I promise you they are incredible. If I could recommend any food to try at the Big E, or any fair, it’s fried Oreos. They are just that good, and so worth the calories. Jake and I bought this bag of 6, and I literally ate three in .3 seconds.
The last few years at the Big E, I have always been tempted on my way out to eat oneeeeee more thing and purchase this delicious Black Raspberry soft serve by Utter Delights. It’s right by the main entrance, and they’re literally known for their black raspberry. I know, not mint, a big change for me. But, it really is the most delicious black raspberry soft serve I have ever had, and I get it covered in chocolate sprinkles.
As always, I had such a blast with my friends….even though it was unbelievably hot and we all felt so terrible that none of us wanted a picture. However, because it’s tradition, I made them take some anyway. 😉
What do you eat every year at the Big E?
