Organizers announce 2020 Big E has been canceled amid pandemic concerns

WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — The COVID-19 pandemic has put most events around the world on hold and the annual Big E Fair is no different this year.

A spokesperson for Eastern States Exposition, the organizers responsible for the Big E announced on Monday they have made the decision to cancel the event, citing concerns over the safety of staff and event goers.

This, however, isn’t the first time the event has been put on hold. During WWI, for five years during WWII, the Flood of 1936, the hurricane of 1938 and 9/11, the fair has been canceled but has made it through these difficult times. This time around, organizers believe it won’t be any different, having already set dates for the Big E Fair for next year from September 17 through October 3, 2021.

“Our staff has spent the last few months working tirelessly to figure a way to bring our annual New England tradition to everyone this fall,” a statement from Eastern States Exposition said, in part. “Despite exploring all our options and planning extensively, we realized that The Big E experience that everyone has come to know and love would not be the same. We care for each and every one of our fairgoers and our job is to help you make the best memories possible. Because of that, we must now switch our focus to the future. Please join us in doing that.”

All purchases for the Zach Williams concert, scheduled for September 20, will be refunded in full. The Big E Box Office will be contacting ticket purchasers directly.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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