Media Center

We provide information for print, broadcast and digital outlets covering news about the Eastern States Exposition, year-round events, The Big E, and Storrowton Village Museum. If you are a member of the media and need further assistance or would like to become a member of our media list, please contact:

Bridget Kelleher
Assistant Director of Marketing
Eastern States Exposition
BKelleher@TheBigE.com
413-205-5039

NEWSLETTERS

EXPO EDITION: END OF YEAR 2024

EXPO EDITION: WINTER 2025

PRESS RELEASES

Meet Storrowton Village Museum's Summer Interns: Bella Theodorou and Owen McIntosh

Throughout the year, Eastern States Exposition offers numerous opportunities to intern through its many departments, including event-related positions (The Big E, Hooplandia, etc.) and with Storrowton Village Museum, the organization’s historical preservation site. This summer, the Museum’s internship program welcomed Owen McIntosh and Bella Theodorou as helping hands. Both interns assist with the curation and care of the Village’s 18th-19th century library archives. READ MORE

Linda McLaughlin Joins Eastern States Exposition as Manager of ESE Fund

Linda McLaughlin recently accepted the position of manager of the ESE Fund, the not-for-profit organization’s fundraising department that works to build donor support for ESE’s year-round programming which advances agriculture, education, entertainment and innovation across New England and beyond. READ MORE

Madeline Murphy Joins Eastern States Exposition Marketing Department as Communications Intern

Throughout summer of 2025, Madeline “Maddy” Murphy, of Wilbraham, Mass., has served as a part-time communications intern with Eastern States Exposition’s (ESE) Marketing department. In this role, she drafts press releases and newsletters, assists with social media content and supports the execution of public-facing campaigns and events leading up to The Big E. READ MORE

34 Local Organizations Benefit from Largest Donation to Date to Eastern States Exposition-West Springfield Trust

Each year Eastern States Exposition donates 1% of its annual gross revenue to the town of West Springfield to create the Eastern States Exposition-West Springfield Trust. On June 12, ESE President and CEO Gene Cassidy and members of the wider team visited the West Springfield Town Hall to present a check for $370,970 to the trust, which is the organization’s largest donation to date. READ MORE

MO FRENIERE OF EASTERN STATES EXPOSITION INDUCTED INTO BUSINESS WEST’S 40 UNDER FORTY CLASS OF 2025

Maureen “Mo” Freniere, deputy director of Sales at Eastern States Exposition (ESE), has been welcomed into Business West ’s 40 Under Forty class of 2025. She is recognized for her salient contributions to ESE and a life committed to agriculture and bettering the broader community around her and her family business, Prospect Valley Farm of Westfield, Mass. READ MORE

2024 Economic Impact of ESE Totals Nearly $1.2 Billion

A study conducted by Regional Economic Models, Inc. (REMI) of Amherst, Mass., found that Eastern States Exposition’s economic impact on Hampden County was $235 million in Gross Regional Product (GRP), and its larger footprint across New England and New York equaled a record-breaking $1.167 billion in 2024. READ MORE

JOHN RAMIREZ PROMOTED TO MANAGER OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND SECURITY

John Ramirez has been promoted to Eastern States Exposition’s (ESE) Manager of Public Safety and Security. In this role, Ramirez will assume many of the responsibilities previously assigned to ESE’s former Director of Public Safety and Security, including corresponding with the elite team of first responders that serves ESE. READ MORE

THE BIG E GOLD MEDAL CHEESE COMPETITION HELD AT EASTERN STATES EXPOSITION ON JULY 11

The Big E Gold Medal Cheese Competition has been a staple of Eastern States Exposition’s (ESE) events calendar since 2008. New England’s best licensed cheesemakers congregate in West Springfield, Mass., to showcase their finest products, gain industry recognition and reach a broad audience. The competition returned to ESE on Friday, July 11. READ MORE

Samantha DePergola Promoted to Assistant Director of Education & Human Resources

Samantha DePergola of West Springfield, Mass., has been promoted to assistant director of Education & Human Resources at ESE, effective June 2. In this new role, she will continue to manage the responsibilities she has as adult education coordinator, but will also support, schedule and mentor new, part-time and transitioning staff members as well as handle human resources tasks. READ MORE

ROBERTA G. DOERING SCHOOL CELEBRATES BRING A VET TO SCHOOL DAY AT EASTERN STATES EXPOSITION

On Friday, June 13, students from Robert G. Doering Middle School in Agawam, Mass., congregated at Eastern States Exposition’s (ESE) historic Coliseum for Bring a Vet to School Day. This ceremony is an annual tradition that honors the men and women who have fought and continue to fight for freedom for families on the United States home front. READ MORE

FEED THE CHILDREN RESOURCE RALLY 2025 AT EASTERN STATES EXPOSITION

On Tuesday, June 11, Feed the Children held a Resource Rally, sponsored by Price Rite, at Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Mass. The charitable organization partnered with the West Springfield Boys & Girls Club and the Parish Cupboard to serve 400 families in the immediate community to combat food insecurity. In addition to leadership from the organizations involved, Mayor Will Reichelt of West Springfield attended the event and lent a hand. READ MORE

EASTERN STATES EXPOSITION PRESENTS THREE LOCAL SENIORS WITH $4,500 IN SCHOLARSHIPS

Annually, the Eastern States Exposition Scholarship recognizes the academic accomplishments of three outstanding graduates from West Springfield High School who plan to continue their education. This year’s recipients are Meksha Patel, Eibhlinn White and Jordyn Rossi. They were presented with their awards by ESE President and CEO Gene Cassidy on Tuesday, June 10. READ MORE

EASTERN STATES EXPOSITION PRESENTS COPPS ISLAND OYSTERS WITH AGRICULTURAL ADVENTURERS AWARD

On Monday, June 9, Eastern States Exposition bestowed Copps Island Oysters by Norm Bloom and Son, LLC with the Agricultural Adventurers Award. The award was presented by ESE President and CEO Gene Cassidy , accompanied by ESE staff, at the Bloom family’s four-generational aquaculture site in Norwalk, Conn. This is the first time an aquaculture farm has received this prestigious recognition. READ MORE

CLIFF HEDGES, EASTERN STATES EXPOSITION PUBLIC SAFETY AND SECURITY, RETIRES

Cliff Hedges, Director of Public Safety and Security at Eastern States Exposition (ESE), has retired as of May 30, 2025. However, he has agreed to return during The Big E 2025, per request of ESE President and CEO Gene Cassidy, as ESE’s Public Safety Liaison. READ MORE

EASTERN STATES EXPOSITION TEAM RECOGNIZED WITH PATRIOT AWARDS FOR EXEMPLARY SUPPORT OF MILITARY PERSONNEL

On Friday, May 23, Earl T. Bonett, a representative from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), visited Eastern States Exposition (ESE) to recognize ESE President and CEO Gene Cassidy and Johnny Ramirez, ESE’s Captain of Public Safety, with the Patriot Award . READ MORE

The Big East Regional Youth and Jackpot Show at Eastern States Exposition is a Hit!

The Big East Regional Youth and Jackpot Show returned to Eastern States Exposition, May 2-4, accompanied by the New England Hereford Association’s Regional Show and the Northeast Highland Cattle Association (NEHCA) Spring Show & Gathering. This premier livestock event features youth participation, jackpot shows and numerous other agricultural activities. In 2025, exhibitors hailed from 14 U.S. states and one Canadian province, and more than $20,000 in cash prizes were awarded to winners. READ MORE

STUDENTS REPRESENT EASTERN STATES EXPOSITION AT MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE IN ACTION EXPO

On Saturday, April 26, three students from the Sutton 4-H Club of Sutton, Mass., represented Eastern States Exposition (ESE) at the Massachusetts Agriculture in Action Expo at Mount Wachusett Community College. READ MORE

ADULT EDUCATION COORDINATOR, SAMANTHA DEPERGOLA, ATTENDS CREATIVE SECTOR DAY AT THE STATE HOUSE

Recently, legislative perspective on the arts has been regular fodder for public discourse. To keep pace with ever-changing policies, Samantha DePergola, Eastern States Exposition’s adult education coordinator, represented Storrowton Village Museum and the ESE History Museum at MASSCreative’s Creative Sector Day in Boston, Mass., on Wednesday, April 30. READ MORE

ESE PROMOTES AGRICULTURE AT SPRINGFIELD REGIONAL CHAMBER BEACON HILL SUMMIT

On Wednesday, April 30, members of the Springfield Regional Chamber made a formal expedition to the Massachusetts State House for their annual Beacon Hill Summit. Tim Garstka, director of Sales, and Sam Roberts, Hooplandia event coordinator, both attended as representatives of Eastern States Exposition, intent on promoting the organization’s mission during the gathering. READ MORE

THE AMHERST RAILWAY SOCIETY GIFTS ESE MODEL OF THE YOUNG BUILDING

The Northeast Large Scale Train Show, organized by the Amherst Railway Society, rolled into West Springfield, Mass., May 3-4 at Eastern States Exposition. During the event, show organizers presented ESE President and CEO Gene Cassidy with a model train diorama of the Young Building to be displayed in Eastern States Exposition Museum. READ MORE

STEPHEN MORRISSEY OF EASTERN STATES EXPOSITION WINS HOWDY AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN HOSPITALITY

Each year, Explore Western Mass hosts the Howdy Awards Gala, a celebration of the region’s finest individuals in hospitality. In 2025, Eastern States Exposition (ESE) was well represented and numerous employees attended to honor the organization’s two finalists, Freddie Marion and Stephen Morrissey. During the gala, Morrissey was announced as the winner of the Transportation category. READ MORE

Anthony YacOvone Jr. Joins ESE's Full-Time Staff

Anthony “Tony” Yacovone Jr., of Springfield, Mass., has accepted a full-time general maintenance position in the Operations department at Eastern States Exposition (ESE). However, he and his family have been a proud part of ESE's team beyond this recent promotion. READ MORE

ESE EMPLOYEES, FREDDIE MARION AND STEVE MORRISSEY, NOMINATED FOR HOWDY AWARDS

Two Eastern States Exposition (ESE) employees are finalists for the Howdy Awards, the region’s recognition for excellence in hospitality. Freddie Marion is being considered for the “Entertainment” category, and Stephen Morrissey has been nominated for an award in “Transportation.” Voting for the Howdy People’s Choice award is now live on ExploreWesternMass.com, so be sure to cast your ballot for these friendly faces! READ MORE

THE BIG E WINS "BEST LOCAL FESTIVAL" IN BEST OF THE VALLEY 2025 BY VALLEY ADVOCATE

The votes are in for Valley Advocate’s Best of the Valley 2025, and The Big E in West Springfield, Mass., has won “Best Local Festival!” ESE President and CEO Gene Cassidy extends his gratitude to surrounding community for their consistent support through generations of fairgoers. READ MORE

STORROWTON VILLAGE MUSEUM'S MAPLE HARVEST DAY AND PANCAKE BREAKFAST SETS RECORD-BREAKING ATTENDANCE

Storrowton Village Museum celebrated the start of spring with Maple Harvest Day and Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, March 15. This year it proved a sweet success with record-breaking attendance! The West Springfield Lion’s Club served sausage and homemade pancakes to nearly 400 visitors, and topped each plate with pure maple syrup generously supplied by Ferrindino Maple, of Hampden, Mass. READ MORE

EASTERN STATES EXPOSITION BRINGS A TOUCH OF WEST SPRINGFIELD TARTAN TO HOLYOKE'S ST. PATRICK'S DAY WEEKEND

Eastern States Exposition (ESE) debuted a booth at Holyoke’s St. Patrick’s Road Race for the first time on Saturday, March 22. The pop-up provided attendees with the chance to stock up on West Springfield Tartan apparel and accessories, a symbol of West Side’s Irish pride, as well as coasters, koozies and other merchandise that teased Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day at The Big E, Sept. 12-14. READ MORE

EASTERN STATES EXPOSITION HOSTS BLESSING OF THE FLOAT EVENT

After Holyoke’s St. Patrick’s Road Race on Saturday, March 22, the West Springfield Parade Committee made their way to the Young Building at the Eastern States Exposition (ESE) complex for the reveal of the West Springfield Colleens’ parade float, which took home “Best Colleen Float” the following day at Holyoke’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade. READ MORE

ese debuts "halfway to something" irish lager at two weeks notice brewing co.'s st. patrick's day party

Kick off St. Paddy’s Day weekend on Saturday, March 15, from 12pm to 10pm, at Two Weeks Notice Brewing Co.’s St. Patrick’s Day Party. This event is an annual staple for the brewery, but this year promises double the excitement with all-day entertainment and the debut of a brand-new beer collaboration with Eastern States Exposition (ESE): “Halfway to Something,” an Irish Lager. READ MORE

SAMANTHA DEPERGOLA, ADULT EDUCATION COORDINATOR, ATTENDS MUSEUMS ADVOCACY DAY IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

For more than 15 years, the American Alliance of Museums has hosted a group outing to Congress in honor of Museums Advocacy Day. This is a space to provide essential training and allow advocates to speak with members of Congress and their staff in Washington, D.C. Samantha DePergola, ESE's Adult Education Coordinator, was in attendance, February 23-25. READ MORE

ESE INTRODUCES KAYLA FEARN, CREATIVE ARTS COORDINATOR

Kayla Fearn recently joined Eastern States Exposition’s (ESE) team as Competitive Events Coordinator through the Agriculture and Education departments. She will head creative and competitive programming through The New England Center, including throughout The Big E. READ MORE

GREG SANOCKI PROMOTED TO DIGITAL CONTENT MANAGER

Greg Sanocki has ascended through the ranks at Eastern States Exposition, receiving a recent promotion from his previous role as Communications and Social Media Specialist to Digital Content Manager. He will facilitate relations with external media agencies, lead content creation and strategies across social platforms and supervise the organization’s contracted photographers, videographers and other creators. READ MORE

ESE WELCOMES SUZANNE SCHNEIDER AS ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Suzanne Schneider has joined Eastern States Exposition’s (ESE) as an administrative assistant in the Sales department. She will assist the department by facilitating the insurance process for retail and food vendors during year-round programming, aiding department managers and serving as support for new and returning vendors alike. READ MORE

Mackenzie Coburn Promoted to Sponsorship Sales Manager

After a successful term as Sales Innovation Manager, Mackenzie Coburn has been promoted to Eastern States Exposition’s (ESE) Sponsorship Sales Manager. In this role, she will craft and tailor proposals, negotiate contracts, collaborate with internal teams to ensure seamless activation and execution, maintain relationships with current sponsors while identifying opportunities for expansion and more. READ MORE

Nancy Delson, Director of ESE Fund, Retires

During her tenure at ESE, Nancy Delson created a comprehensive fundraising database and raised awareness amongst trustees, donors and other stakeholders about the importance of sustaining the organization’s mission. READ MORE

Remembering George Jones: A Legacy of Leadership and Dedication at Eastern States Exposition

George Jones, former president and chief executive officer of Eastern States Exposition (ESE), who championed the organization from 1976 to 1991, passed away on December 30, 2024, at the age of 91. READ MORE

THE BIG E RECOGNIZED AS THE FOURTH LARGEST FAIR IN NORTH AMERICA

On December 16, Carnival Warehouse, the fair industry’s most comprehensive news source for carnivals and events, released its annual ranking of the Top 50 Fairs in North America based on attendance numbers. After a record-setting year, The Big E of West Springfield, Mass. soared to fourth place. READ MORE

International Association of Fairs and Expos Recognizes Mackenzie Coburn and Cliff Hedges with Honorary Roles

Eastern States Exposition (ESE) employees Cliff Hedges, Director of Security, and Mackenzie Coburn, Sales Innovation Manager, have been appointed Chairman of Safety & Security and Chair of the Sponsorship Committee, accordingly, by the International Association of Fairs and Expos (IAFE). READ MORE

EASTERN STATES EXPOSITION PUTS THE BIG E UNDER THE TREE AT FESTIVAL OF TREES FUNDRAISER

Eastern States Exposition employees worked like elves on Friday, November 22, fluffing and stuffing a tree with merchandise and exclusive access to The Big E for the Springfield Boys & Girls Club's Annual Festival of Trees, located in MassMutual Center's Exhibition Hall. READ MORE

EASTERN STATES EXPOSITION DONATES BEEF FROM 4-H BEEF SALE TO LOCAL FOOD PANTRIES

A team of employees from Eastern States Exposition (ESE), headed by ESE President and CEO Gene Cassidy and Mayor Will Reichelt, gathered to donate beef from the annual 4-H Beef Sale at The Big E to local not-for-profit food pantries. Their tour on Thursday, November 21, included stops at The Parish Cupboard, Open Pantry and Friends of the Homeless. READ MORE

EASTERN STATES EXPOSITION PRESIDENT AND CEO GENE CASSIDY ACCOMPANIES LEADERS IN ENTERTAINMENT TO WASHINGTON D.C. IN SUPPORT OF THE CARE ACT

The Outdoor Amusement Business Association and the International Association of Fairs and Expositions have banded together to push the Carnivals Are Real Entertainment (CARE) Act before the House of Representatives. Leaders in entertainment, including Eastern States Exposition (ESE) President and CEO Gene Cassidy, have arrived at their doorstep to demand change. READ MORE

THE BIG E BRINGS HOME MULTIPLE AGRICULTURE AWARDS FROM INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FAIRS AND EXPOS CONVENTION IN ARIZONA

Annually, a trusted team of Eastern States Exposition (ESE) employees, headed by ESE President and CEO Gene Cassidy, travel to the International Association of Fairs and Expos Convention and Trade Show to connect with similar organizations and promote the success of The Big E. This year’s convention took place in Phoenix, Arizona, December 1-4. The team is returning home with top-placing IAFE Agriculture Awards in tow. READ MORE

EASTERN STATES EXPOSITION PRESIDENT AND CEO GENE CASSIDY becomes melvin jone fellow

Lions Club International Foundation (LCIF) recognizes outstanding donors for their commitment to LCIF’s mission with the Melvin Jones Fellowship (MJF), named for the founder of LCIF. Eastern States Exposition President and CEO Gene Cassidy, was named an MJF on Friday, November 8, at the Brooks Building, in West Springfield, Mass. READ MORE

TWO 4-H STUDENTS RECOGNIZED WITH RUBY MORRIS SCHOLARSHIP FOR EXCELLENCE

On Saturday, September 14, 4-H and FFA Day at The Big E, Devon Cranston and Quinn Sawyer were awarded the Ruby Morris 4-H Scholarship, in West Springfield, Mass. Both students were recognized by Eastern States Exposition (ESE) President and CEO Gene Cassidy during 4-H shows at the Fair. READ MORE