Massachusetts Department of Agriculture issued the following announcement on Sept. 20.
Today, Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) Commissioner John Lebeaux, Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Commissioner Leo Roy, Executive Office of Housing and Economic Affairs (EOHED) Secretary Jay Ash and other state officials attended Massachusetts Day at the Big E Fair to highlight support for the economic development of Massachusetts agriculture, commerce and tourism. The officials kicked off the day with a speaking program on the lawn of the Massachusetts State Exposition Building located on the Avenue of States.
“The Big E is a great opportunity for Massachusetts’ farms and other businesses to gain exposure and market their locally manufactured products right here in the Commonwealth at New England’s State Fair,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton. “The Baker-Polito Administration is dedicated to supporting and promoting the Commonwealth’s vibrant agricultural industry, and we encourage all residents to buy local, whether at the Big E or your local farmers’ market.”
The Massachusetts State Exposition Building is one of six original statehouse replicas representing each of the New England states that are located on the Eastern States Exposition fairgrounds’ “Avenue of States.” During the Big E, the Massachusetts building showcases the finest in Massachusetts agriculture, culture, commerce, and tourism through informational, educational, promotional and retail exhibits. Last year, the Big E attracted over 1.5 million visitors.
Visitors to the Massachusetts State Exposition Building can enjoy the offerings of the many agricultural commodity groups and commercial vendors showcased throughout the building and outside selling and promoting Massachusetts products, including maple syrup, Finnish pancakes, honey products, dairy delights, fresh apples and raspberries, wine, clam chowder, chili, craft beer and variety of baked goods. Massachusetts small businesses also sell a variety of locally made goods such as sportswear, braided rugs, hand crafted candles, soaps, chocolate and jewelry.
“For seventeen days each year, vendors and exhibitors come from far and near to highlight the wide variety of products and services that Massachusetts has to offer,” said MDAR Commissioner John Lebeaux. “I encourage all fairgoers to visit the Massachusetts Building to experience Massachusetts by supporting local businesses and learn something new about the Bay State.”
The presence of the Massachusetts State Exposition Building at The Big E Fair and the thousands of visitors that it attracts are important to the Massachusetts economy. According to the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism, tourism in the state generates $1.2 billion in state and local taxes and $19.5 billion in travel related expenditures, supporting 132,000 in-state jobs. This year the Massachusetts State Exposition Building will provide space for over 30 local businesses, state agencies, and agriculture associations to promote their products and engage visitors in what makes Massachusetts a destination state to visit.
This year’s Massachusetts Day activities included EOHED Secretary Jay Ash officially proclaiming Massachusetts Day at the Big E on behalf of the Baker-Polito Administration as well as the induction of Mitchell Garabedian of Thorndike Mills Industries in Palmer into the 2018 Massachusetts State Exposition Building ‘Hall of Fame.’ Throughout the day, the Valley Blue Sox World Series Championship Trophy was on display by the entrance to the Massachusetts Building, several Miss Massachusetts regional title holders were on hand to greet visitors and square dance presentations were presented by the Massachusetts chapter of the Square Dance Foundation of New England. This year, the center exhibit area inside the building features ‘Plymouth 400 - Our Story,’ an interactive exhibit which highlights the history of the Wampanoag tribe, their relationship with the Pilgrims, and the founding of Plymouth Colony.
Original source can be found here.
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