September 21, 2024

Big E draws big crowds, features fun, faith

REGIONAL
Story and photos by Carolee McGrath

WEST SPRINGFIELD – Thousands are once again flocking to the Big E in West Springfield for the annual fall tradition, which began in 1917. The Big E kicked off Sept. 13 and runs through Sept. 29. Bishop William D. Byrne visited the fair a few times, and celebrated Mass under the circus tent opening weekend.

The bishop started a new social media campaign called “Faith at the Fair,” @bishopwdbyrne on Instagram.

“There is no more amazing thing that is going to happen here than on Sundays at 10 a.m. Every Sunday there is the Mass where we experience Jesus in the Eucharist. That’s the greatest wonder of all – faith at the fair,” Bishop Byrne said in his Instagram post.

Mass is held every Sunday at the fair at 8 a.m. in the Storrowton Meeting House and at 10 a.m. under the circus tent.

Bishop Byrne’s top two attractions, aside from the Mass, include the circus and the horses.

The theme for the Big E is “United We Fair,” and features agriculture, entertainment, exhibits and food.

“This year we have the cookies and cream flavor of the year,” said Chris Josephvitis, of the Big E Cream Puff, a top seller. He described how they coat the cream puffs with ganache.

“It’s chocolate and butter melted down. We put it on top of these. It goes in the refrigerator that way when you come to buy it has a hardened chocolate coating,” he said.

Christian recording artist Phil Wickham kicked off the entertainment line-up opening night. Wickham sings popular praise and worship songs including “This is Amazing Grace” and “Your Love is Greater.”

Raul Gomez, who is involved in prison ministry in Ludlow, came opening day to see Phil Wickham. When asked how it is that so many people at the fair have faith he said, “It’s the Holy Spirit.”

Several businesses at the Big E also have a Catholic connection, including Rocky’s Ace Hardware, based in Springfield. Rocky’s owner, CEO and president, Rocco Falcone, is a longtime parishioner at St. Mary Parish in Longmeadow.

Located inside the Better Living Center, Rocky’s features grills and outdoor pizza ovens in addition to the traditional line of tools. Rocky’s is also a Big E sponsor.

“One of the biggest trends in outdoor cooking is the outdoor pizza ovens. This is from Ooni which is the premier originator of the category,” said Brian Bowler, Rocky’s marketing director and parishioner at St. Cecilia Parish in Wilbraham.

Bowler described Rocky’s strong commitment to serving the community, including supporting Children’s Miracle Network.

“So we’re a local family business, third generation, so we want to make sure we are giving back to the communities we serve,” Bowler said.

Other local business owners also proudly spoke about faith. Paul Kozub, owner of V-One Vodka, is a parishioner at Holy Redeemer Parish in Hadley. 

“This is my 18th year at the Big E,” said Kozub, who also gives back to the community.

V-One introduced a new non-alcoholic seltzer, Wave Mocktail. The beverage is named after his four children, Weston, Augustine, Vincent and Ella.

“My faith is everything. I know God has blessed me with a strong faith and really I attribute all of my success to my Catholic faith and the things I learn every Sunday at Mass,” said Kozub.

A video version of this story will be on an upcoming edition of “Real to Reel” which temporarily airs Sunday mornings at 6:30 a.m. on WWLP-22 NEWS.