Big E fair draws record crowds

WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass.—There’s no doubt that people seeking entertainment value close to home, as well as good weather, helped draw a record 1.26 million people to The Big E this year, but the fair’s president says a calorie-packed cheeseburger also played its part.

President Wayne McCary says more than 16,000 Craz-E Burgers were sold during the 17-day fair that ended Sunday. National publicity surrounding the bacon-cheeseburger nestled between two halves of a grilled glazed doughnut helped draw the curious to the fair, officially called the Eastern States Exposition.

McCary says favorable weather of 15 days helped break the previous attendance record of 1.25 million set in 1998.

As well as agricultural exhibits, the fair featured top musical acts, parades and stunt car demonstrations.