Food News Come hungry: The fair returns Sept. 18 with more than 100 deep-fried, cheese-covered, and seriously over-the-top new bites to West Springfield. The fair returns Sept. 18 with more than 100 new bites to West Springfield. Courtesy of The Big E

It’s still summer and the urge to wander M Street Beach while blasting Taylor Swift’s “August”—nostalgizing these long, warm days before the inevitable tumble into single-digit temperatures—is strong. But September—and fall!—are around the corner. The tell-tale New England signs are all here: Halloween candy is in the drug store. Fryers are preheating for the deluge of apple cider donuts. Dunkin’ just released its fall menu. 

The Big E is almost here.

The Eastern States Exposition—better known as the “Big E,” returns to West Springfield from Sept. 18 through Oct. 4, luring about 1.5 million people to its sprawling fairgrounds for carnival rides, games, live music, and entertainment, showcasing the culture of all six New England states. And food. So much food. Fried, stuffed, slathered in cheese—you name it. This year, more than 100 new food items, drinks, and pop-up restaurants are joining the lineup. 

The “E” in “Big E” might as well stand for “Eat Up.” And “elastic waistband.” As in, wear pants with one.   

Find an appe-teaser (sorry) of the new noshes below. Please, no drooling on your screens.

Deep-fried Calzones

While many in the North End can debate the differences between Italian- and American-style pizza, everyone can agree that sometimes you just need a deep-fried calzone. Mangia cheese, pepperoni, or meatball parmesan options. 

Golden K-Dog

While you await the follow up to last summer’s “KPop Demon Hunters,” head to this concession stand for Korean corndogs, including one filled with mozzarella and coated in a savory-sweet mix of butter, cinnamon sugar, and Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal. Classic plain corn dogs are on offer, too. Either way, you’re “Golden.” 

Push-up sushi pops. – Courtesy of The Big EK’s Japanese Restaurant 

Sometimes you need a 12-course omakase experience. Sometimes you need a deep-fried spicy tuna roll. Find the latter here, plus “push-up sushi pops.” 

Moose Joose Slush

Ah, slush. Neon mouths, sugar rushes, ice-cream headaches. Drinkable desserts include the “fall in a cup,” a green apple slush with caramel drizzle that’s crowned with caramel candy crunches, sliced apple, and whipped cream. Find a strawberry cheesecake flavor, too. 

Rickey’s Jerky

Crush your protein goals with a meal of dried meats. Find both beef and more unique game meats (antelope, wild boar, pheasant, anyone?) in a host of flavors. 

Sweet & Salty

Sip dirty soda, the head-scratcher food trend of the year, at this concession stand. Options include Fluffy Cola (Coke with marshmallow syrup, sweet cold foam, marshmallow drizzle, and maraschino cherries) and the Carribbean-cool Island Treasure (orange soda with mango and vanilla, topped with coconut sweet cream and flakes).   

Simply Gluten Free

Celiacs, we feel your (intestinal) pain. Pop here for gluten-free fair fare like funnel cakes, corn dogs, chicken tenders and more—all without fear of cross contamination.   

Tater Tot Heaven

Do you really need a bucket of tater tots? (The answer is yes). Find buckets o’spuds doused in cheese, bacon, and other goodies. Plus, strawberry lemonade and fountain drinks. 

Tripp’s Farmhouse Café

Find the doctor-ordered basic fair food groups here: fried Oreos, burgers, French fries, chicken fingers. Load up fries with steak and cheese, buffalo chicken, or barbeque chicken—life is short.