In honor of the return of The Big E on September 15, the Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT Grown) is announcing a special prize giveaway running throughout the duration of New England’s favorite fair.
CT Grown’s Big E Giveaway features prizes totaling $500 in value — all featuring CT Grown products from farms throughout Connecticut. Prizes include:
- $250 Gift Card for Woodland Gardens in Manchester
- Maple Cutting Board (estimated value: $100) from Dovehill Farm in Moosup
- Cheese Basket (estimated value: $50) from Arethusa Farm in Litchfield
- 24-piece Chocolate Gift Box (estimated value: $50) from Thorncrest Farm & Milk House Chocolates in Goshen
- CT Grown Breakfast Gift Basket (estimated value: $50) with maple syrup from Maplewood Farm (Harwinton), honey from Union Bee Co. (Union), and jams/jellies from Killam & Bassette Farmstead (South Glastonbury)
To become eligible for the prize drawing, all you have to do is sign up to receive the CT Grown monthly newsletter between September 15 and October 1, 2023.
The CT Grown newsletter is a free publication sent to your inbox every month and is a great resource to learn more about what’s fresh from Connecticut’s amazing agriculture and aquaculture producers. Every month, we feature compelling stories, important updates, and family fun events around the state.
Featured CT Grown exhibitors
Fairgoers can see more than 15 CT Grown farm businesses at this year’s Big E. Scheduled exhibitors include:
- Union Bee Companyy (Sept. 15-16): honey and beehives
- Twin Pines Farm (Sept. 15-17): jams, relishes, pickles, honey
- Hilltop Apiaries (Sept. 17-18): honey
- Wholly Goat Farm (Sep. 18-19): goat milk soap
- Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (Sep. 19): honeybee hive display
- Connecticut Department of Agriculture (Sept. 20 – Connecticut Day): CT Grown apples, Arethusa Farm cheese, and giveaways
- CT Dairy (Sept. 20): Cabot cheese samples and giveaways
- Guardians Farm (Sep. 21-22): goat milk soap, beeswax products
- Maplewood Farm (Sept. 21-22): maple syrup
- Killam & Bassete Farmstead (Sep. 23-25): jams, jellies, relishes, sauces
- Hyde’s Dairy (Sept. 23-24): milk
- Double Trouble Acres (Sept. 26 -27): goat milk soap
- R Farm (Sept. 26-27): honey
- Blue Hill Too (Sept. 28-29): goat milk soap
- Newgate Farms (Sept. 28 to Oct. 1): tomato soup, tomato sauce, salsa, etc.
- Amazing Love Farms (Sept. 30 to Oct. 1): certified organic fruits and veggies, vegan farm snacks, garlic
Thirteen farm wineries from Connecticut Wine Country will also be at the fair offering samples of reds, whites, roses, and “frose” – frozen wine slushies.
About the Big E
The Big E is an annual fair held at the Eastern States Exhibition in West Springfield, Massachusetts, and celebrates New England’s rich agricultural heritage — showcasing a blend of entertainment, culture, and the agricultural elements that have defined the region for generations.
At the center of The Big E is a deep-rooted commitment to agriculture, reflecting the importance of farming in the history and economy of the New England states. The event serves as a spectacular showcase of the region’s finest agricultural products, livestock, and agricultural practices — allowing visitors to learn, engage, and immerse themselves in the world of farming.
One of the most anticipated aspects of The Big E is the signature Avenue of States, where each of the six New England states has its own state house that embodies its distinct culture, history, and agricultural heritage. These state houses are more than just buildings; they are a window into the spirit of each state. Inside the state houses, visitors are treated to a sensory journey. From traditional crafts and iconic food offerings to historical exhibits and live performances, each state’s unique character comes alive.
CT Grown invites all Big E attendees to stop into the Connecticut building to sample the prizes being offered in the Big E Giveaway along with many other CT Grown farm products and items from Connecticut’s agriculture and aquaculture producers.
September 22, 2023 @ 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM
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September 21, 2023 @ 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
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September 16, 2023 @ 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
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September 16, 2023 @ 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
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September 15, 2023 @ 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM
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September 14, 2023 @ 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
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Getting some CT Grown products into your daily diet is easier than you might think. Here are 10 ways you can include CT Grown on your plate each day.
1. Look local for your morning eggs
If you like to cook up an omelet to get you going in the morning, take a look around your neighborhood to see where you might be able to pick up some fresh eggs. Many farms keep small flocks of chickens, and offer eggs at their farm store. Connecticut also has several large egg producers, selling products under brands like Eggland’s Best, The Farmers Cow, and Hillandale Farms.
2. Sign up for a dairy delivery
Several Connecticut dairy farms are working to bring the milkman back to our neighborhoods. You can find options for delivery services that bring fresh supplies of milk, yogurt, and cheese right to your doorstep. Some farms pair this offering with other CT Grown products, making it even easier to get your groceries and support your local farmers.
3. Pack a CT Grown apple for lunch
More than 2,000 acres in Connecticut are dedicated to growing apples, and bountiful harvests of this fruit are readily available from July to October. Visit an orchard to pick your own apples, then pack an apple with your lunch each day. Since apples store well, you can continue to find fresh apples from orchards throughout the winter and into the early spring.
4. Look for locally sourced items at your favorite restaurant
Several restaurants in Connecticut commit to partnerships with local farms to acquire seasonal items and staples such as dairy, meats, and shellfish. When local food is on the menu, you can enjoy fresh, seasonal items and discover delicious new varieties and cuts.
Be sure to check out CT Farm-to-Chef Week from September 9-16, 2023. This annual occasion showcases venues that use CT Grown food for their dishes and beverages, giving you a chance to discover new eateries with a farm-to-table commitment.
5. Find CT Grown when grocery shopping
Connecticut farms often partner with wholesalers and retailers to make their products available at local grocery stores and food co-ops. Look for the CT Grown logo to find food items that are produced locally. Some stores also feature special displays to showcase value-added products from Connecticut producers, such as honey, sauces, maple syrup, and salsas.
6. Make a local farm your meat market
Connecticut farms raise a wide variety of meats, including beef, pork, chicken, turkey, and even specialty items like bison and emu. A visit to one of these farms not only lets you discover new cuts, but also gives you the option to purchase large shares of meat to freeze for future meals.
7. Stock up on local wines
Connecticut is home to 45 licensed farm wineries featuring scenic vineyards and beautiful tasting rooms. In addition to picking up local options when shopping for wine, you can also sign up for a membership, wine club, or Adopt-A-Vine program that lets you regularly pick up new vintages or enjoy discounts when you visit a winery.
8. Use pick-your-own for your baking needs
Pick-your-own farms give you a chance to get out in the fields and orchards to select fresh seasonal items like apples, berries, peaches, pears, and pumpkins. Farms invite visitors to purchase these products in bulk, and you can put these larger quantities to good use with mouthwatering baking options like pies, breads, and muffins that use locally sourced ingredients.
9. Become a regular at the farmers’ market
By visiting a farmers’ market each week for some of your grocery shopping, you can discover new varieties of produce, custom cuts of meat, homemade sauces and jams, and much more. You can also talk directly with local farmers to get advice on how to best prepare and store your food.
10. Start researching CSAs now
Many farms participate in Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs, where you purchase a portion of a farm’s harvest in advance and regularly pick up shares of fresh produce during the growing season; CSAs are also available for products like flowers, meat, and cheese. Farmers begin welcoming sign-ups for CSA programs at the beginning of the year, but you can start looking into options near you to find one that fits your needs.