Help Showcase Maine at the Big E AUGUSTA – The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) is inviting Maine businesses and organizations to apply for exhibit space in the State of Maine Building at the 2018 “Big E” in West Springfield, Massachusetts. The Big E will be held from September 14th thru September 30th. The Eastern States Exposition (Big E) takes place every September in West Springfield, Massachusetts. The 2017 fair had record total attendance of 1,525,613 fairgoers passing through the Big E gates over seventeen days. The State of Maine building showcases Maine foods and products, as well as features information on Maine’s many recreational and vacation opportunities. Built in 1925, the building is one of six exhibition halls representing each of the New England States. The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry takes pride in the operation and management of the building and Maine’s participation in this annual event. The DACF is providing Maine businesses and organizations with the opportunity to rent commercial space in the State of Maine Building. More than 850,000 of the fairgoers visit the state buildings located on the Avenue of States, affording a tremendous opportunity to promote Maine and Maine products. The Department’s goal at the Big E is to exhibit, publicize, and advertise Maine’s products and resources in agriculture, commerce, culture, food, fisheries, forests, wildlife, recreation and tourism. By presenting fairgoers with a balance of educational and commercial exhibits, participants exemplify Maine and its unique way of life. Only items which are produced, grown, crafted, manufactured or significantly altered in Maine may be sold in the Maine building. The deadline for completed applications to be received is Tuesday, January 16, 2018. An informational session is scheduled for Wednesday, December 6th, 2017 at 10AM in Augusta. Advance registration is required by calling (207) 287-7625 or emailing: [email protected]. All applications will be reviewed by an advisory committee which will recommend exhibitors best suited to meet the goals of the building. The Department will select exhibitors to participate in this years’ event, and notify them by Friday, February 2nd, 2018. For more information about the Big E, please visit http://www.thebige.com. Exhibitor Application Packets are available by contacting the Department, or online at:?http://www.maine.gov/dacf/ard/market_promotion/eastern_states_expo.shtml This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry · 18 Elkins Lane, Harlow Building · Augusta, ME 04333