WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - The Big E, the largest event on the East Coast and the fourth largest fair in North America, kicks off on Friday for a 17-day run.

The fair opens with Military Appreciation Day, offering free admission to active duty, retired military personnel, and veterans with a valid ID. Last year, the fair set a new attendance record with over 1.63 million visitors, and the second weekend was particularly busy, with Saturday seeing nearly 180,000 attendees.

Visitors are advised to avoid traveling to the fair between 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. to avoid traffic congestion, and late-night departures are also busy.

When do the buildings and Midway open? • Big E gates open at 8:00 a.m. • The Big E Bakery is open from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. • Buildings and Craft Common

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