BIG news for The BIG E

Eastern States Exposition has just announced even more great talent and events for the upcoming BIG E, September 18th - October 4th.  Added to the line-up will be:
 
The Albany Marine Band
The Albany Marine Band, from Marine Corps Logistics Base in Albany, Georgia will appear at The Big E September 25-27. The 50-member band will perform in The Big E's Daily Parade on Friday and Grande Mardi Gras Parade on Saturday and Sunday. Both parades begin at 5:00 p.m. Their repertoire includes a variety of musical selections in styles that include Patriotic, Classical, Jazz, Big Band and Classic Rock. 
 
 
A five-piece Marine brass ensemble will also delight fairgoers with Mardi-Gras style tunes as they rove throughout the fairgrounds in the afternoon during the band's three-day stay. The Brass Quintet includes Sergeant Eric Harris on tuba, Sergeant Alfredo Rodriguez on trombone, Staff Sergeant Kelly Miller on F horn, and two trumpets, Staff Sergeant Steven Williams and Corporal William Merritt.
 
In December of 2003, the Albany Marine Band was awarded the distinguished “Commander in Chief Installation Excellence Award.” The award, signed by the Secretary of Defense, recognized members of the band for their pride and commitment in performing their duties. The Secretary of Defense also noted the Band's exemplary achievements in supporting the mission through imaginative and innovative actions. The band was also given the honor of being selected to represent the United States in 2004, performing for the Changing of the Guard at the Citadel in Quebec City, Canada, the only non-Canadian band to do so.
 
In 2008-2009, the Albany Marine Band traveled more than fifty thousand miles and performed for more than twenty million people nationwide at over one hundred commitments in locations such as Essex Junction, VT, New Orleans, LA, San Antonio, TX, and at the re-opening of the crown at the Statue of Liberty in Liberty, NY. They have also appeared on Good Morning America and at The Outback Bowl in Tampa, FL.
 
Formed in 1990, the Albany Marine Band is one of only twelve bands in the Marine Corps. All the bands' musicians were selected by audition and must maintain a high level of instrumental proficiency.  Additionally, with the Marine Corps tradition of “every Marine a rifleman,” all Marines in the band are fully trained to fulfill their secondary mission of bearing arms in the defense of our nation.
 
CRAZ-E Burger
A truly crazy concoction is making its way to The Big E in the form of the “Craz-E Burger.” This burger consists of a grilled glazed donut sandwiching two crispy thin cut strips of bacon, a beef patty, and a slice of cheese to form a perfect taste sensation. The Craz-E Burger isn’t so much crazy as it is delicious. 
 
No single ingredient dominates the burger. They all complement each other with artistry expected from a celebrity chef. The glaze smoothes over the burger and oozes into a foreign but delicious combination with the crisp of the bacon. The donut is butter grilled and quite a change from the burger roll you are accustomed to. It transforms the ordinary into the delicious. The burger is a classic fair food with a beef patty over which a slice of cheese is melted.  
 
This special and one-of-a-kind burger will be available at The Big E‘s Big EZ Café which is located outside Door 7 of the Better Living Center.  
 
The name “Craz-E Burger” was selected via an online Facebook contest in which fans of The Big E’s Facebook page were given the opportunity to submit entries for a prize of four free Craz-E Burgers. Over four hundred Facebook entries were received over the two days of the contest. The winner was announced on Monday, September 14, as Marty Brownsey of West Seneca, New York, with his entry of “Craz-E Burger.” 
 
 
“That is awesome! I'm thrilled to be a small part of such a great event! Thanks!” says Brownsey, who routinely comes to the Fair and this year will have four more very delicious reasons to make the trek to West Springfield.  
 
 
Given the amount of interest concerning the taste of the burger, Brownsey writes “I'll certainly provide a full report when I have it!”  
 
 
Craz-E Burger Recipe
One beef patty
American Cheese
Crisp bacon
Butter grilled glazed donut 
 
Carefully slice the donut in half, lightly butter and grill. Add cooked burger, top with cheese and crisp bacon. Place in between the donut halves. No condiments are needed.  
 
 
Special Olympics
The Big E will salute the people and work of Special Olympics Massachusetts (SOMA) Oct. 4 with a variety of special activities. Special Olympics Massachusetts has been a leader in providing healthy lifestyles through sports and healthcare-related programs year-round for individuals with intellectual disabilities for close to 40 years. 
 
 
It all gets started at 10 a.m. with Opening Ceremonies at the Flag Plaza by Gate 5 featuring welcoming remarks from Eastern States Exposition President Wayne McCary, the National Anthem, Athletes and Coaches Oath and an outline of the day’s activities. The highlight of the ceremony will be a law Enforcement Torch Run beginning at Gate 1 taking runners along Hampden Avenue and by the Brooks Building to light the Special Olympics Caldron at the Flag Plaza. 
 
 
Information, dance demonstrations and speeches will be offered throughout the day in Storrowton Village. Mountain View Dance Inclusion dance troupe will perform at 11:30 a.m. at the Gazebo. SOMA will hold a Unified Young Athletes exhibition on the Green at 3:30 p.m. which will be open for participation by up to 50 children, age two and a half to seven, at the Fair that day. Global Messenger speeches are scheduled for 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. The entire Special Olympics contingent will then march in the Daily Parade at 5 p.m.
 
Fairgoers will be able to learn more about the success of this statewide organization and meet the 2010 Special Olympics Massachusetts National Games Team by visiting their table on the Green which will be manned by staff, athletes and parents from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
 
 
Special Olympics helps athletes gain confidence and build a positive self image they can take into their daily lives at home, school, work and in the community. This is accomplished through year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of well-coached Olympic-type sports for individuals with intellectual disabilities. They also provide continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness. Through sports training and competition, and the increased exposure to quality healthcare screenings and professionals, individuals with intellectual disabilities are living healthy, vibrant lives by their association with Special Olympics.