The Big E

If you live in New England, then you know about and have experienced the Big E!  It is one of the most anticipated events of the year locally and one of the top 10 events nationwide.  People talk about it for WEEKS in advance and mentally prepare (and finacially prepare) for all of the food, fun, and shopping!  Basically the Big E is like a town fair multiplied by 1,000!  It is a fair that lasts for 3 weeks.  Vendors come from all over the country to display their crafts, products and "as seen on TV" stuff.  There are concerts as well.  This year Reba is performing and Brad and I saw "Daughtry" a few years ago.  There are state buildings...one for each of the New England states.  All the stuff that is special about the states are in the state buildings.  For example, Maine has fresh lobster rolls, Vermont has all sorts of maple syrup stuff (maple syrup cotton candy included!)  Local vendors and artisans from their home states fill the buildings.  And the food...oooooooh the food!  Last year they came out with the "Crazy Burger."  It is a bacon cheeseburger.  Not so crazy right?  WELL...substitue the bun for a toasted glazed donut and there you have it...the best darn burger ever!  This year they had "Peanutbutter and Bacon Pizza!"  (Subsitute the sauce for peanutbutter.)  We didn't try it, but from what everyone said, don't knock it till you try it!

The infamous Crazy Burger!



Each year our church volunteers with The Hollow Creek Cider Mill in the VT building.  We work shifts at their booth and they pay the church for each 4 hour shift filled.  Its a huge fundraiser for our church.  Plus, we get free admission and parking which saves us about $60!  They make fresh apple cider donuts, apple pie (either a la mode or with sharp VT cheddar cheese), apple crisp and the best apple cider you've ever tasted.  Their specialty is apple cider slushy!  Soooooooooo good!  We volunteered in the morning and enjoyed the Big E for the rest of the day.  Natalie and Barry dropped off Alexander after our shift. 

Me and Alexander after a parade.

He caught two bead necklaces that were being thrown from floats.

Daddy and Alexander eating fried dough.  (Mommy MAY have had a bite too!)

They also have lot's of animals and petting farms.  You can ride on an elephant and camel.  Here is Alexander taking his first camel ride!  He was so excited- he didn't stop smiling from the minute he got on!  You have to zoom into the first picture...It is a look of pure wonderment!

I love this one!!!