By Kristen Wirkkala, VT Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets - January 2022
The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets welcomes applications from Vermont businesses seeking to vend at the Vermont Building at the Eastern States Exposition (Big E). The Vermont Building is one of six New England buildings on the Avenue of the States at the Big E, a 17-day fair and exposition that takes place each September in West Springfield, MA. During this event, which brings in approximately 1.5 million people each year, the Vermont Building hosts a variety of Vermont food and retail businesses, which showcase the best of what our state has to offer.
This annual event provides a unique regional marketing opportunity to Vermont businesses, helps to elevate the Vermont brand, and supports the Vermont economy. Booth spaces are offered for both retail and food/beverage products. There are booth spaces for the entirety of the 17-day fair, for 8–9-day rotating spots, and occasionally for 5-7 days. While most booths are inside, there are additional spaces on the grounds for products deemed an appropriate fit.
Any business or organization will be considered that is registered with the Vermont Secretary of State, has been in business for over one year, and is in good standing with the State of Vermont. The Agency has identified the following product priorities for the Vermont Building for 2022: (1) Products that use Vermont-sourced ingredients and/or materials; (2) savory foods that do not require fryers or grills; (3) Vermont made accessories; (4) Vermont-made pottery; (5) hot and cold coffee to go; (6) products that align with regional/national trends.
The Request for Applications (RFA) for this opportunity will be released later this month. Visit https://agriculture.vermont.gov/bigevendor for more information.
For questions regarding this opportunity, please contact Kristen Wirkkala at kristen.wirkkala@vermont.gov