You know fall is coming when the Big E is open

Depending on which region of the United States you live in, chances are there is a fall fair which you are particularly fond of or loyal to. In New England, we have "The Big E". It runs most of the month of September and is one of the biggest events in the area. Located in Springfield, Massachusetts, the Big E has a bit of everything: concerts, vendors, fantastic food, crafts, rides, animals and more.

Every year we get together with our friends and make a caravan up to the Big E...this year, we'll be going up on Saturday, September 22nd. We tend to go in the afternoon because it gets nice and cool in the evening and often it can get hot in the midday sun. Some of the highlights we look forward to:

* The Super Corn Dog....yummm...getting hungry

* The Samuel Adams Beer Tent

* "The Christmas House" inside the craft commons - a great place to find ornaments. We've bought several there in the last few years. The Big E has tons of holiday craft booths, from snowman motif to stockings to country themed decorations. We've seen one or two Department 56 buildings inside the Christmas House. There's a Yankee Candle store as well.

* The State Houses - each New England state is represented with its' own house, offering up state specialties and showcasing state businesses and food vendors. Come to think of it, this would make a great Department 56 series.

* The Seen on TV center - not sure if that's the real name of the center, but this is a fun building with almost every device you've ever seen on television being demonstrated for you. We bought a Salsa Maker here that works really well. They also have some amazing soups to sample here.

* Boneless Buffalo Wings: these are the most amazing buffalo tenders I've ever had - now, there are two vendors on site, and only one is the one I'm describing. I can't remember the details, but I think it was called the "Chicken Express" or something. You should be able to tell by the lengthy lines. If they have a big jug of garlic butter and hot sauce that they roll the chicken in, you'll know you're there.

* There is much, much, more and I'm sure you can tell that I am extremely excited to go!