Patrick Administration Agricultural Officials Celebrate Massachusetts Day at "The Big E" Fair

Local agricultural entrepreneurs recognized

WHAT:

Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (DAR) Commissioner Scott Soares will celebrate “Massachusetts Day” on Thursday, Sept. 24 at the Eastern States Exposition, also known as The Big E, the largest fair in the northeast. DAR officials encourage residents, tourists and the media to visit the more than 50 Massachusetts exhibitors, taste local produce offered by local farmers at a morning reception and watch the event’s afternoon parade. At a 1 pm ceremony, Commissioner Soares will highlight the success of Massachusetts agricultural entrepreneurs with an array of awards honoring local wineries and cheesemakers recognized at regional and national competitions this year, individuals who drive the Massachusetts agriculture industry with Faces of Agriculture awards, and the winners of the DAR’s annual calendar photography contest. Throughout the day, DAR staff will also be promoting the “Ag Tag” specialty license plate. Proceeds from the colorful plate support agricultural projects statewide.

WHO:

DAR Commissioner Scott Soares
DAR Staff
Members of the agricultural community

WHEN:

Thursday, September 24 -- All Day

8:30 am – 9:30 am Taste of Massachusetts reception
1:00 pm award presentations
5:00 pm parade

WHERE:

Eastern States Exposition
1305 Memorial Ave
West Springfield

DIRECTIONS:

From East: Take the Massachusetts Turnpike West to Exit 6 (Springfield). Go left at the light, following I-291 South to I-91 South (right lane) to Exit 3 and follow signs, or take the Massachusetts Turnpike West to Exit 4, to Rte. 5 South to Rte. 147 West. Continue approximately 3/4 mi. to ESE's Gate 9 parking lot.

From West: Take the Massachusetts Turnpike East to Exit 4, to Rte. 5 South, to Rte. 147 West. Continue approximately 3/4 mi. to ESE's Gate 9 parking lot.

From North: Take I-91 South to Mass. Exit 13B, to Rte. 5 South, to Rte. 147 West.

Continue approximately 3/4 mi. to ESE's Gate 9 public parking lot.