Editor’s note: The story was updated at 12 p.m. Monday to add additional information.

After a record-breaking year plagued by viral videos and numerous reports of overcrowding, The Big E drew nearly 100,000 fewer visitors in 2025 — a final tally of 1,538,463 that organizers revealed only at the fair’s close after withholding daily attendance numbers amid scrutiny of crowd management.

“THAT’S A WRAP! Thank you to all 1,538,463 Fairgoers who spent the best 17 days of the year with us,” read a caption on the Facebook reel from The Big E’s page, posted after the fair concluded its run on Sunday night.

The Big E is considered one of the largest fairs in the U.S. and Canada , according to Carnival Warehouse . It opened for the season on Sept. 14 and lasted until Sept. 28.

It was n

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