Big E Fair Opens This Weekend

WEST SPRINGFIELD — The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) announced the opening of the Massachusetts State Exposition Building at "The Big E."

The 2025 Big E kicks off this Friday, Sept. 12, and will run through Sunday, Sept. 28. 

This year, the Massachusetts Building will feature 39 vendors and exhibitors highlighting the best of local small businesses and agricultural producers. The public will have the chance to sample fresh produce, discover artisan goods, and learn about innovative farming practices.

"The Big E brings people from across New England and beyond to experience the best that Massachusetts has to offer," said Governor Maura Healey. "Inside the Massachusetts Building, visitors connect with local farms, small businesses and destinations that reflect the heart of our economy and culture. At the Big E, we're telling a bigger story – one of tradition, innovation and the drive that continues to shape who we are."

Visitors to the Massachusetts Building can look forward to a diverse selection of food and products, including lobster rolls, Finnish pancakes, honey, candles, soaps, games, handcrafted baseball bats, chocolates, jewelry, photography, dips, wine, sliders, and more.

This year, the backyard of the building will once again feature a rustic beer garden, showcasing craft beer made from local grains grown in Western Massachusetts.

MDAR also welcomes seven new food and retail vendors, which include Cindy's Drive-in, Crème Bru LA, Ground Up (Food truck), It's Kelewele 31, Rutto Bats, The Love Mich Collection, and Wicked Fruitful. A complete listing of this year's vendors can be found here.

"Walking through the Massachusetts Building, you get a real sense of the state's diversity and creativity," said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. "From cultural foods to local small businesses, there is a wide range of things to try and explore. Fairgoers will learn about the crops grown here and find everything from fresh ingredients to unique retail – all in one place."

"Over a century after its opening, the Massachusetts Building continues to succeed in its mission of showcasing what makes Massachusetts such a unique place through our agriculture and commerce," said MDAR Commissioner Ashley Randle. "It truly is a must-visit destination at the Big E that everyone will enjoy, whether you like clam chowder, Boston Crème pies, craft beer and wine, or want to shop for hand-made artisanal products."

The Massachusetts Building will celebrate three special days: Military Appreciation Day on Friday, Sept. 12, Massachusetts Day on Thursday, Sept. 18, and Harvest New England Day on Friday, Sept. 26. Specific events and programming will take place on these days. In addition, the 2025 Big E will also offer a special opportunity to celebrate Massachusetts' Year of Youth in Agriculture, which recognizes the next generation of agricultural leaders. Each year at the Big E, 4-H and FFA students proudly represent their local communities by participating in competitions that hone their skills while building important connections. Their presence continues a long tradition of youth leadership and innovation on the Avenue of States.

The building will be open daily from 10AM to 9PM. For directions, parking information, and ticket details, visit the Big E's website.

Dalton Board Signs Off on Land Sale Over Residents' Objections

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
05:50AM / Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Residents demanded the right to speak but the agenda did not include public comment. Amy Musante holds a sign saying the town now as '$20,000 less for a police station.'

DALTON, Mass. — The Select Board signed the sale on the last of what had been known as the Bardin property Monday even as a handful of residents demanded the right to speak against the action. 

 

The quitclaim deed transfers the nine acres to Thomas and Esther Balardini, who purchased the two other parcels in Dalton. They were the third-highest bidders at $31,500. Despite this, the board awarded them the land in an effort to keep the property intact.

 

"It's going to be an ongoing battle but one I think that has to be fought [because of] the disregard for the taxpayers," said Dicken Crane, the high bidder at $51,510.

 

"If it was personal I would let it go, but this affects everyone and backing down is not in my nature." 

 

Crane had appealed to the board to accept his bid during two previous meetings. He and others opposed to accepting the lower bid say it cost the town $20,000. After the meeting, Crane said he will be filing a lawsuit and has a citizen's petition for the next town meeting with over 100 signatures. 

 

Three members of the board — Chair Robert Bishop Jr., John Boyle, and Marc Strout — attended the 10-minute meeting. Members Anthony Pagliarulo and Daniel Esko previously expressed their disapproval of the sale to the Balardinis. 

 

Pagliarulo voted against the sale but did sign the purchase-and-sale agreement earlier this month. His reasoning was the explanation by the town attorney during an executive session that, unlike procurement, where the board is required to accept the lowest bid for services, it does have some discretion when it comes to accepting bids in this instance.