(HARTFORD, CT) – Farms, specialty food businesses, and agricultural organizations are invited to submit vendor applications for exhibit space in the Connecticut Building at The Big E. The Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg), in coordination with Connecticut Office of Tourism, showcases an extensive line-up of CT Grown businesses helping market their products and promote their services during the annual 17-day event. In 2026, The Big E will take place from September 18 through October 4 at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, MA.
“Participation in the Connecticut Building at The Big E provides Connecticut farms and related businesses tremendous opportunity to engage with new customers, sample CT Grown farm products, and encourage visitors to travel to their farm for unique experiences,” said Agriculture Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt. “We’ve also heard directly from exhibitors how impactful this exposure can be through increased sales which drives them closer to future on-farm goals.”
Eligible entities include agricultural businesses, non-profit ag organizations, and other entities with an agricultural mission to showcase the diversity of farming in Connecticut. It is estimated that more than 1 million fairgoers enter the Connecticut Building each year. Connecticut Day will be held on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, and Harvest New England Day will be held Friday, October 2, 2026.
In 2025, the Connecticut Building at The Big E featured 34 agricultural exhibitors offering a mix of farm products, specialty foods made with 51% CT Grown ingredients, education, and hands-on experiences during the event.
The application deadline is Monday, March 23, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. For more information on this opportunity or to apply, visit our website.
