My wife and I are planning to spend a day (drive from NYC) at the Big E fair in West Springfield and were looking for some tips on parking, what to see etc..Thanks

Are you going during the week or the weekend?

During the week will be less crowded and parking is usually available not far from the gates.

Check out their web site:

www.thebige.com

for the complete listing of shows (we are going 9/28 to see Regis!) I believe you cn also buy advance admission tickets online.

One thing not to be missed is The Avuene of the States- the 6 New England state buildings all in a row highlighting each state's unique offerings. Maine- the potatoes are wonderful, VT (I am pretty sure) has great blueberry pie, RI has clam fritters etc. It is alot of fun!

The Better Living Center is alot of fun as well.

Bring an apetite, very comfortable walking shoes and your camera- the Big E is a blast!

Check out the event schedule. They have a circus show in the afternoon and a parade several times a day. There is also concerts. The State Houses are great! Stay away on weekends - too crowded.

The foot massagers really work. I liked the circus too and enjoyed the small parade near the end of the day. If you want to rest your weary feet for a few minutes, consider watching a 4-H fashion show. The kids have made their own clothes. They may not be models but they have advanced skills in sewing and tailoring and you might be surprised to see some young teen guys who've made their own wool hunting jackets. If you consider staying at a hotel. We stayed at a downtown hotel and there was a charter bus running from downtown to the fair. It was great to avoid having to find a parking spot and be dropped off right at the gates. There was a large waiting area for the bus at the fairgrounds. After hearing my sister talk about leaving the fair at night, I would never consider facing that traffic congestion.

Thanks guys..I was planning to go on a weekend but maybe I'll rethink that