You’re Invited! Celebrate 100 Years of the Maine Building at the Big E
For more than a century, the Eastern States Exposition in Springfield, MA — known for its Big E Fair each fall — has brought together all six New England states to celebrate the region’s agricultural heritage, cultural richness, and shared traditions. Maine has played a proud role in this celebration since 1925 when the Maine Building opened its doors on the Avenue of States, becoming a permanent and iconic presence at the Big E.
For generations, the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry’s Maine Building has connected thousands of visitors with Maine farms, forests, fisheries, artisans, and entrepreneurs. Each year, we support Maine’s legacy of craftsmanship, community, and culture, and tell Maine’s story to thousands of fairgoers.
Our centennial celebration kicks off on Saturday, September 13, 2025 on Maine Day. With plenty of food, Maine goods for purchase, and culture and fun, Maine Day 2025 is packed with themed experiences that celebrate everything we love about the Pine Tree State. Don’t miss Maine Day—read the details below for more information.
Experience the Best of Maine – All 17 Days
From beloved Maine brands to emerging small businesses!
Throughout the Big E’s 17-day run, 32 exhibitors — including both long-term and rotating short-term vendors — will showcase the best of Maine. Plus, you’ll discover dozens more Maine businesses and brands, that collaborate with our on-site exhibitors. Together, they help bring Maine family farms, fisheries, artwork, and quality products to the Maine Building. Don’t miss your chance to explore, taste, shop, and connect with the people who make Maine so special.
The Maine Building will be brimming with:
- Delectable foods and beverages
- Unique, handcrafted gifts and goods
- Passionate entrepreneurs and friendly faces representing our great state
Where to Find Us:
The Maine Building is located on the Avenue of States at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, MA. You can’t miss our century-old brick building. View the list of exhibitors and exhibit schedule.
Look for new and familiar landmarks to guide you:
- Look for our welcome banners and new wayfinding signage to help you find Maine gifts, foods, and drinks.
- Pause as you enter the rotunda to view a stunning floral installation. It’s led by the Maine Flower Collective and member designers, John Sundling of Plant Office, and Julia Lipner of Triflorum Designs.
- There are dozens of vendors inside the Building. Find delicious and unique treats to enjoy at the fair or when you get home. Visit Maine’s tourism booth, and makers featured in the middle stalls of the Maine Building. Get to know the artisans and small businesses. Shop on site, place a delivery order for yourself or to send a gift to a loved one.
- Pause in the backyard before making the loop back into the Maine Building. Sit and enjoy the backyard scenery and the Maine Welcomes You wall mural by Maine artist, Emily Foran. Our backyard vendors offer a taste of Maine and refreshing beverages. Including ingredients from Maine farms and brands!
- Pause at the fence line beside the path with our neighbor, Vermont. Learn about Maine’s treasures! Scan the codes to test your Maine farm and food products IQ, brought to life by Maine-based KDK Consulting.
- Along the boulevard shared with our neighbor, Massachusetts, is Maine’s famous Potato Line. Don’t miss an extra-special greeter thanks to Maine sculpture artist, Joe Rizzo! Capture a picture and play trivia while you wait for your potato. Be sure to scan the codes to test your potato IQ and for special promotional items from the Maine Potato Board! Here’s a trivia hint: Maine’s “meal in a peel” is a fluffy, mouthwatering tradition. It starts more than five months before the fair! The tubers are planted in spring, as soon as the soil warms in Irving Farm’s fields. The family farm is located at the “Crown of Maine” in Maine’s Aroostook County town of Caribou.
If you share your memories to social media, we invite you to use the tags #MaineThing #Avenueofstates for more chances to join our centennial promotional giveaways!
Come celebrate with us on Maine Day, September 13, and be sure to visit the Maine Building all 17 days of the Big E. We can’t wait to share the sights, sounds, tastes, and talents that make Maine memorable!
Mark Your Calendar Maine Day – Saturday, September 13, 2025
We’re planning a special Maine Day for our centennial year. With plenty of food, Maine goods for purchase, and food, culture, and fun, Maine Day 2025 will be packed with unforgettable experiences that celebrate everything we love about the Pine Tree State.
Complete Your Maine Day “Must-Do List”:
- Meet Maine’s legendary lumberjills
- Visit the Real Maine tent on the front lawn – play a trivia games for a chance to win Maine Day prizes!
- Indulge in a loaded Maine baked potato
- Sample sweet maple syrup from the woods of Maine
- Go wild with our state fruit
- Shop local for Maine-made gifts and goods
- Play our “How Well Do You Know Maine?” games — running all 17 days! Scan our QR code trivia signs to play!
Maine Day Schedule
- 9:15 AM Meet & Greet – mingle amongst each other, including Maine officials, trustees, ambassadors, and guests
- 9:30 AM Maine Day Opening Ceremony (front lawn);
- Public speakers and commemorative acknowledgments and scholarship announcement
- Photo-op with officials, trustees, ambassadors, and featured guests
- 9:55 AM – National Anthem followed by ribbon cutting to open the Maine Building
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM – Enjoy lawn exhibits, entertainment, and activities:
- Axe Women Loggers of Maine
- Maine Forest Rangers & Smokey Bear
- National Park Service
- Real Maine Tent & photo stations with ambassadors
- 6:00 PM – Don’t miss the Daily Parade around the fairgrounds
- 9:00 PM – Maine Building closes
