Visiting the Big E every year has been a tradition for Gary and Joanne Moquin ever since they were engaged 37 years ago and celebrated by going to the fair.
Reminder Publishing photos by Mike Lydick
WEST SPRINGFIELD — Joanne and Gary Moquin were among many Agawam residents visiting the Big E on Sept. 24 during the fair’s annual Salute to Agawam Day.
Coming to the fair has been a tradition for the couple for nearly four decades. “When we got engaged 37 years ago, it was the opening day of the Big E. We celebrated by coming to the fair,” said Gary.
Visiting several times during the fair’s 17-day run, they always come on Agawam’s special day. “We like to do the craft area and visit the buildings where vendors are selling their products,” said Joanne.
Gary said he noticed this year that the fairgrounds seemed to be less crowded than in past years — even on days with good weather. “Many people have told me they aren’t coming this year because last year was too busy and too crowded,” he said.
In the Massachusetts Building, Sharon Roulier and her parents, Jim and Pearl Stefanik, were busy as bees at the Hampden County Beekeepers Association booth. In between selling jars of honey, lip balm and skin cream — made from beeswax — the Agawam beekeepers answered questions from fairgoers.
The Stefaniks became beekeepers 30 years ago. Roulier, a 1981 Agawam High School graduate, followed them into the hobby 15 years ago after attending a beekeeping class. Roulier said she especially enjoys volunteering when the Big E honors Agawam because she often sees friends who stop at the booth,
When taking a break, Roulier likes to visit the Mallory Building and other agricultural areas at the fair. “I like the animals, but I really enjoy seeing kids taking care of their animals. The Big E’s roots are as an agricultural fair, so it’s very encouraging to see young people keeping that going.”
Jim became a beekeeper because he wanted something to do after he retired from working at a machine shop. “When I’m at the booth, I talk about beekeeping and what it’s like to raise bees. We have an observation display filled with bees and people often ask about the importance of bees to the ecosystem and how much work it is to maintain hives.”
Pearl said she enjoys representing beekeepers when talking with people and answering questions. “I also like to see families who stop and are having a good time at the Big E.” She said the family starts making beeswax products during the summer. “One Saturday in July is dedicated to filling and labeling 5,000 jars of lip balm and 500 jars of hand cream to sell at the fair.”
The Agawam Lions Club restaurant has been a staple at the Big E for decades with club members and others from Agawam volunteering to run it. Patricia and Ronald Lalancette have been working together to serve chicken dinners and other meals at the restaurant for 55 years.
“We’re here almost every day working a five-hour shift,” said Patricia Lalancette. “It’s rewarding because money raised at the Big E helps finance scholarships for AHS students and donations to various groups that help people in need.”
She said the restaurant at the Big E is one of the club’s biggest fundraisers. “It’s also a wonderful way to help raise awareness about our club and help spread the word about what we do,” she added.
Ronald Lalancette said the restaurant is “one of the best deals” for food on the fairgrounds — especially for families on limited budgets. “We serve good food at good prices to benefit good causes. That’s why I volunteer and why people come back year after year.”
Unlike the Lalancettes, Joanne Agnoli is not a club member, but has volunteered at the restaurant for the past 15 years. “I do it because the club is a great organization. I also get to see my friends — especially on Agawam’s special day. They come to visit and then stay to eat.”
Mike and Annie Peetros came to the fair with their three children — Ellie, 5, Addie, 7, and Jake 9. “I’m glad they have a special day for Agawam with free tickets for the kids. With all the activities for kids on the weekends and sports practices during the week, this is a good day for families and their kids to enjoy the fair together,” said Mike.
Ruth Cosimini and Larry Taylor came early to walk around the fairgrounds while waiting to see their grandkids march with the AHS band in the evening parade.
“We like sampling the fair food,” said Cosimini. “The wine ice cream sundae we had was so good. There are so many food choices — how can you go wrong at the Big E?”
Taylor said he likes the clam cakes fat the Rhode Island Building. “They’re my favorite — but not as good as they were when I came here as a kid.”
Cosimini said Agawam deserves a special day at the Big E. “We put up with the traffic every year, so we should have our own day. What’s also good is that the fair draws people from all over the country. A special day gives Agawam some recognition.”
