Big E Lifetime Passes Sell Out in 62 Seconds

WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA — It took 1 minute, 2 seconds for 100 lifetime passes to The Big E to sell out Wednesday.

That's 1.6 per second for unlimited visits to the Eastern States Exposition from here to eternity.

Yes ... the Golden Ticket even includes free parking at The Big E for life.

The offering of the "Lifetime of Wonder Golden Ticket" was announced this week as the grandest offering of the Big E's plans to "come back in grand fashion" for 2021. The New England state fair was called for 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic."

The promotion is the first of its kind in the 104-year history of The Big E.

The Lifetime of Wonder Ticket was priced at $1,000 and admission includes a guest.

Dawn Ezold of Enfield was one person who snagged one of the tickets, despite scrambling to get on The Big E website with her phone.

" I'm out of my mind," she said. "I logged in at 10:02 and purchased on my mobile ... very sloppily. It's crazy - some didn't get it who were much more organized."

The timing was good for morale in what has been a frustrating year, The Big E boss said.

"This is the time of year we typically put one fair to bed and begin the long, exciting road to the next one," Big E President and Chief Executive Officer Eugene Cassidy said. "With the unfortunate derailment in 2020, we are fully committed to making the 2021 edition our greatest yet. I can think of no better way to get under way with style and sizzle than with this Golden Ticket promotion."

Last month, the Big E made another big splash with the announcement of a headline concert with country music superstar Brad Paisley.

Additional details about the Golden Ticket and promotion are available at www.TheBigE.com.
Purchased tickets will be delivered to recipients in time for the holiday gift-giving season, Cassidy said.

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Patch editor Tim Jensen contributed to this story.