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星期四, 9月 22, 2016

State Officials Celebrate Massachusetts Day at Big E

State Officials Celebrate Massachusetts Day at Big E

WEST SPRINGFIELD – September 22, 2016 – Today, Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton, Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) Commissioner John Lebeaux and other state officials attended Massachusetts Day at the Big E to highlight support for economic development of Massachusetts agriculture and key environmental initiatives. The officials kicked off the day with a speaking program on the lawn of the Massachusetts Building. 

“Today, we celebrate the many hard-working farmers across the state that produce healthy, local products for the citizens of Massachusetts,” said Governor Charlie Baker.  “I encourage fairgoers and consumers to support and learn about Massachusetts businesses by visiting the Massachusetts building at the Big E.”

“Massachusetts Day at the Big E is a perfect opportunity to showcase the diversity of high-quality, locally-grown and made products available in the Commonwealth,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito.“Our administration remains committed to supporting the agricultural community and to ensuring our farms and other small businesses continue to thrive and grow.” 

“We are excited to be a part of the Big E’s 100th centennial celebration here on Massachusetts Day, and to show our support for the Massachusetts agricultural industry,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton. “While this year’s dry weather has presented remarkable challenges, our farmers remain resilient and we all need to do our part to support their efforts by buying local.”

“The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources is pleased to promote the harvest season this fall for our farmers here on Massachusetts Day along with the many businesses and tourism opportunities,” said MDAR Commissioner Lebeaux.  “The Department is committed to increasing market opportunities for local growers and food producers that increase access to fresh, local food in all communities across the Commonwealth and the promotion of sustainable agriculture.”

Visitors to the Massachusetts building can enjoy exploring the offerings of the many agricultural commodity groups and commercial vendors set up to sell and promote Massachusetts products, like maple syrup, Finnish pancakes, bread pudding, honey, dairy products, fruit, wine, lobster rolls, chili and variety of baked goods.  Massachusetts small businesses also sell a variety of locally-made goods such as braided rugs, hand crafted candles, soaps, chocolate and jewelry.  The building, dedicated in 1919 by then-Governor Calvin Coolidge, offers fairgoers today a glimpse of what makes Massachusetts a leader in agriculture and small business development. 

“Vendors from throughout the Northeast have come to West Springfield to showcase their local products at the Big E for 100 years now and today’s Massachusetts Day is no exception for local farmers here in the Commonwealth,” said State Senator James T. Welch (D-West Springfield). “I hope a stop at the Massachusetts building will encourage visitors to patronize the farmers and crafters in their own neighborhoods across the state.”

“Massachusetts Day at the Big E is a great way to meet and talk to the many farmers and agricultural professionals that we have here in the Commonwealth,” said State Representative Michael Finn (D-West Springfield). “It is an industry that is made up of hard working individuals that love what they do, and the fair gives them the perfect platform to showcase their businesses and locally made products.”

“The Big E is a great partner to West Springfield with agriculture events taking place throughout the year,”said West Springfield Mayor William Reichelt. “The continued success of this annual celebration is due in part to the countless vendors from around the Commonwealth that travel here to showcase their part in the agricultural market.”

Also at the Big E, visitors can peruse the Mallory Complex for an array of agricultural educational demonstrations including a viewing of livestock contests and 4-H exhibits. 

“For a glorious century, the Big E has attracted hundreds of millions of visitors from across the Eastern Seaboard and beyond to celebrate our region’s distinct agriculture, culinary riches, small businesses and cultural offerings,” said Francois-Laurent Nivoud, Executive Director of Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism (MOTT).  “The Big E makes us proud to be from Massachusetts and New England.”

Along with the Big E’s 100th year celebration, the National Parks Service Centennial was honored with a recreation of the Boston Harbor Island and its lighthouse in the central hall of the Massachusetts building.  The replica was created through a partnership with the Department of Conservation and Recreation and the National Parks Service. 

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