Several weeks ago, I headed to the Springfield, Massachusetts area to the “Big E” State Fair. This fair is the largest state fair in the New England area! My past experience at fairs proved unsatisfactory as a vegan, though providing much fun as an outdoor activity. I wanted to conquer this popular state fair to examine the current vegan “dining scene” and the activities offered!

My friend and I started the day by visiting many craft shops along the avenues. One particular shop sold herbs, so I just had to purchase a lavender lemonade mix! Vegans would appreciate this little store.

I was feeling a bit hungry at this point after the long car ride. As it wasn’t quite lunch time, I opted for a snack of fried dough topped with gooey, thick strawberries and jam. Vegans need to be careful that they get their friend dough from vendors who do not use their fryer to cook meat or chicken. This was a friend dough-only food stall. It was delicious!

Next up, we found a stage where a guy was performing incredible stunts on a scooter! We headed over to the circus tent next. A clown and an acrobat performed astonishing feats on what appeared to be a gigantic hamster wheel spinning on its sides and vertically as they walked, jumped, and flipped on it in mid-air!

Lunchtime had arrived! Veggie tempura stands, fruit smoothie stands, salads, and potatoes were available for vegans. I found a baked potato stand where I ordered a large, vegan baked potato topped with broccoli, squash, carrots, onions, and mushrooms! Very tasty and impressive! My beverage was a refreshing lemonade.

The final part of our day was spent in the avenue of states. Each building represented a different New England state. Inside the buildings were crafts, foods, and activities representing that particular state. Outside in the commons were an old-time schoolhouse(1800’s), a church, saloon, and reconstructed settlement home from that era. An army band was performing a variety of musical pieces. It was like stepping back in time to the 18th and 19th centuries.

I walked through the Massachusetts building and viewed exhibits of old ships, farming produce and nature conservancies, Cape Cod photos, and local crafts. I tried some free samples of raspberries grown in Massachusetts.

Freshly picked apples were available from local farms. The Rhode Island building, likewise contained exhibits from its region. I purchased a corn on the cob (without butter) and local apple cider. Locally made scarfs and accessories lined its shop.

Vermont was represented by maple sugar products, locally made soaps, and foods. I purchased a lavender soap and tried the sample, vegan maple sugar products.

In the Connecticut building, I found local bookstore materials and a company which produced a flavored pumpkin seed mix. I bought the healthy, vegan, curry topped pumpkin seeds.

The Maine building was quite popular. I purchased a great blueberry juice there! Vegans do need to be careful and check that the blueberry pies are not made with eggs or butter. New Hampshire also showcased its maple syrup products and ski resort regions.

My friend and I made one more stroll down the road to stop in a few more of the craft shops. Our day had come to an end. In summary, I would say that state fairs(at least this one) are more vegan-friendly than in the past. Apple cider, fresh fruit, baked potatoes, fried dough, and blueberry products were readily available as vegan food options. Jams, kettle corn, and other vegan snacks can be easily found too. The arts and crafts, music, and performers provided for a great day in the Autumn outdoors!