The “Big E” – New England’s Great State Fair

 

Happy August, friends! Goodness, this year is flying by, and this month is a transition from summer to fall.

And to this New England girl, that could only mean one thing…The Big E!

Its official name is Eastern States Agricultural and Industrial Exposition, but anyone who has lived in New England or is one of the one million visitors a year who walk through the gates, it is the Big E. Billed as “New England’s Great State Fair”, it is the largest agricultural event on the eastern seaboard and the fifth-largest fair in the nation. The Big E is inclusive of all six New England states: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

The first Eastern States Exposition occurred in October 1916 in West Springfield, Massachusetts, and was called the Eastern States Agricultural and Industrial Exposition. All six New England states, plus Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, participated. Joshua L. Brooks conceived it to help promote agriculture and educate young people with the skills and knowledge needed in agricultural vocations. The Exposition featured displays of innovations in the industry and held contests designed to encourage farmers to better themselves through competition.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of America partnered with the Exposition to organize youth competitions, in which prizes were awarded for best produce, jams, breads, raised hens, planting techniques, and other categories. The youth component drew competitors from all participating states and was deemed “a triumph in a new type of education.” Emphasis on the development of young farmers continued with the establishment of “Baby Beef Clubs” in 1920 to help youths buy, raise, exhibit, and sell livestock at the event.

In 1923, the Massachusetts Department of Health built a model schoolhouse on the fairgrounds, offering free medical and dental examinations. Entertainment elements were added by the 1930s, including demonstrations of “automobile polo” (featuring acrobats playing polo while driving Ford cars) and competitive performances by high school bands. On a personal note, I spent long days chaperoning my son’s middle and high school band when they performed on Connecticut Day at the fair.

Since the first fair, only World War I and World War II, during which the military requisitioned the grounds as storage depots, and the COVID-19 pandemic have interrupted the annual tradition.

The Avenue of States contains life-size replicas of the six original New England statehouses, as well as the New England Grange House. In actuality, the state houses are not replicas but rather modeled after original state houses in most instances. The buildings for New Hampshire and Vermont bear no resemblance to their original state houses.

These buildings feature exhibits and vendors that exemplify the heritage, food, and traditions of each state as a way of promoting tourism. Many foods representing New England cuisine can be found at The Big E, along with traditional fair foods like fried dough, corn dogs, funnel cakes, and fried everything. For example, the Maine House in past years has offered

 

lobster, blueberries, and baked potatoes, while the Vermont House has Ben and Jerry’s ice cream, maple syrup, and Cabot cheese. Vendors also sell locally made products and handicrafts. The Maine baked potatoes have become an icon, with buyers regularly joining long lines during the fair’s busier periods. The Connecticut building features watches from Timex, which was founded there, as well as Lego, which has its US headquarters there. The Rhode Island building features Del’s Lemonade and Blount Seafood Clamcakes and Chowder.

Since 2000, The Big E has endeavored to introduce its own signature foods. This began in 2002 when The Big E introduced Big E Cream Puffs, which it intended to be the signature dessert of the Fair. Sadly, I haven’t been back to the fair to sample this delicacy.

 

Over time, the Big E expanded its entertainment offerings to include thrilling rides, live music, stunt shows, and even talent competitions. The Ferris wheel, a staple at most fairs, provides stunning views of the fairgrounds, while roller coasters and bumper cars add excitement for thrill-seekers. Musical performances featuring both local and national acts bring an additional layer of entertainment to the festivities.

Like many modern state and regional fairs that have embraced new forms of entertainment, The Big E’s agricultural roots remain strong. Livestock competitions, horse shows, and horticulture displays continue to be a major draw. These exhibitions provide educational opportunities for younger generations and honor the fair’s agricultural heritage.

For many, the evoke a deep sense of nostalgia, reminding them of the last golden days of summer filled with excitement and wonder. The combination of fair food, bright lights, and classic rides brings back fond memories, making a trip to the Big E an annual tradition for families across the New England region and the country.

The Big E remains one of America’s Top 10 state fairs blending history, culture, and entertainment into a uniquely American experience. Whether it’s the mouth-watering food, thrilling rides, or deep-rooted traditions, the magic of the Big E continues to captivate millions each year. As this yearly event evolves to embrace modern trends while preserving its historic charm, the Big E remains a testament to the enduring spirit of community and celebration in the United States.

********Giveaway*********

For a chance to win a $10 Amazon Gift Card, share a childhood memory about experiencing a state or county fair. 

THE COWBOY’S LAST RODEO (AND A GIVEAWAY!) — by Louise M. Gouge

Thank you for inviting me back to Petticoats and Pistols. I was here last January to promote my Love Inspired book Feuding with the Cowboy. Today, I want to introduce you to my brand new sequel, The Cowboy’s Last Rodeo. This story continues my series about the Mattson family of New Mexico cattle ranchers. As always with Love Inspired, my heroine and hero work through their unique conflicts and adversities on the way to earning their happily-ever-after.

 

Before I get into the specifics about the book, I want to jump on the bandwagon with other on P&P writers in celebrating the United States’ 250 anniversary. Quick question you don’t have to answer: How much did you have to practice to say “Semi-Quincentennial”? In May, I gave a patriotic talk to a ladies’ meeting, and I sure did have to pause and think each time I said the word. LOL! Also, to celebrate this remarkable anniversary, I brought a colorful ornament, some cute juice glasses, two tee shirts, a welcome mat, a yard flag, and a brand new Stars and Stripes flag to fly by our front porch. There was so much more I wanted to buy, but I had to stop someplace. BTW, I took all of these pictures with my iPhone, so they’re mine.

 

I’ve always been very patriotic. When I was in high school in 1962, I was honored to be chosen as the soloist when my choir introduced a new song titled “I’m just a flag-waving American.” Back then, everybody in this country would have made that same proclamation. If you click on the link, you won’t see me singing because, sad to say, my performance wasn’t recorded. Instead, you’ll hear a wonderful high school group singing the song in a 1976 celebration of our Bicentennial. Now, as we are about to celebrate the Semi-Quincentennial, it’s so inspiring to listen to the words of this song. Let me know what you think.

Thinking of patriotic people, I’m always impressed by the patriotism of the cowboy and rodeo community. These hardworking, down-to-earth folks get it. This is the greatest country in the world, and they are thankful to be here where we’re free to be whoever God wants us to be. Knowing The Cowboy’s Last Rodeo would be released in July, I made sure to include a scene in which my hero and heroine attend a community Independence Day celebration, complete with patriotic music, hot dogs, and fireworks. Rodeo cowboys and cowgirls are especially faith-filled and patriotic folks. You can always count on hearing an opening prayer and singing the National Anthem before every rodeo. And if the event happens on Sunday, they always attend Cowboy Church right there in the rodeo arena.

Here’s the story:

He’s risking it all for one last ride…After a near-fatal fall, former bull rider Raeder Westfall is determined to prove he’s no quitter, especially to his five-year-old son, Peanut. But rodeo queen June Mattson knows the price of chasing glory, and as Peanut’s Sunday school teacher, she worries Raeder is risking too much. Yet when the Riverton Stampede loses its star, June surprises them both by tossing Raeder’s name into the ring. As they work to save the town’s biggest event, friendship turns to something deeper. Can they overcome fear and pride to build the family they both long for?

So, what did you do to celebrate our Semi-Quincentennial? I’m partial to barbecue pork, baked beans, coleslaw, and corn on the cob for my July Fourth menu. Leave comments to enter my drawing for one print copy of The Cowboy’s Last Rodeo to a U. S. resident.

 

 

South Carolina author Louise M. Gouge writes contemporary and historical romance fiction, winning the prestigious IRCA in 2006 and placing as a finalist in 2011, 2015, 2016, and 2017. She was also a finalist in the American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Awards in 2005, 2007, and 2008, and placed in the Laurel Wreath contest in 2012. Most recently, she was a finalist in the 2023 and 2024 Selah Awards. A former college English and humanities professor, Louise is a 25 year member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Faith, Hope, and Love Christian Writers. Married for fifty-four happy years to her beloved husband, David, Louise is now widowed and spends her days researching and writing her next novel.

 

You can find her complete Booklist and more info about her writing at her website: https://louisemgougeauthor.blogspot.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LouiseMGougeAuthor

Follow me on BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/louise-m-gouge

A Little History of Peppers and a Fun Giveaway

I spent five days last week at a writers’ conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico and had a wonderful time. In addition to learning all kinds of new things and networking with other authors, I got to enjoy some of the local culinary delights. Let me tell you, in New Mexico, that means Hatch chiles in just about every dish. In fact, Hatch, New Mexico is considered the Chile Capital of the World, and they take their hatch chiles very seriously. Spending most of my life in Arizona, I’ve come to love spicy food, so for me this wasn’t a problem. I couldn’t say the same for a few of the conference attendees coming from back east ?

Did you know that peppers made their way to the United States starting from South America around ten thousand years ago? Aztecs and Mayans grew dozens of varieties. The peppers traveled with Indigenous people north as they moved through what in present day Central America and then into Mexico. Spanish conquistador Juan de Oñate is credited for bringing the first chile seeds from Mexico to New Mexico. The plants produced from these seeds loved the arid, high-desert climate and thrived, cross-pollinating with other pepper plants to become the different Hatch varieties we know and love today. It’s no surprise that cowboys and chuck wagon cooks used peppers to season their food as dried versions of the plant lasted for months on the trail and flavored staples like beans and stews.

I thought it might be fun to play a little matching game. On top are pictures of seven peppers commonly used in Southwest cooking. On the bottom are the names of the peppers. See if you can match the picture of the pepper to the name for all seven and put your answer in the comments. Everyone who participates will be entered into a random drawing for a “surprise” pepper giveaway. Doesn’t matter if you’re right or wrong, the fun is in the guessing.

 

Bonus question: What’s the difference between chile and chili? No Googling 🙂

VERONICA’S SECRET RESCUE (AND A GIVEAWAY!) by Paulette D. Marshall

Veronica’s Secret Rescue: Building Homes and Hope in Mariposa

While writing Veronica’s Secret Rescue, I enjoyed learning more about the role lumber mills played in California’s growing communities during the late 1800s.

Before modern building supplies were readily available, local lumber mills were essential. They provided the wood needed to build homes, barns, churches, schools, stores, and nearly every other structure a growing town required. In many areas of California, especially near the Sierra Nevada Mountains, abundant pine forests made the lumber industry an important part of daily life.

Many mills were family-owned businesses passed down through generations. Families often worked together, with fathers teaching sons the trade and everyone contributing to the success of the operation. These businesses weren’t simply a source of income; they helped build the surrounding community. The lumber produced at local mills helped new settlers establish homes and create lasting roots.

The town of Mariposa, California, has a rich history dating back to the Gold Rush era. Founded in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, Mariposa became an important center for miners, ranchers, merchants, and travelers. Its location near Yosemite made it a gateway for those heading into the mountains. By the late nineteenth century, the town had grown into a close-knit community where neighbors often depended on one another through both hardships and celebrations.

In Veronica’s Secret Rescue, Tucker Harper owns a family lumber mill and ranch near Mariposa. His mill reflects the hardworking spirit that helped shape many California communities during that time. The steady rhythm of the sawmill, the scent of fresh-cut pine, and the importance of honest labor all became part of Tucker’s character and the life he built.

For Veronica, however, the story is about much more than a lumber mill or a ranch. After a difficult journey filled with uncertainty, she discovers something she never expected. She isn’t simply finding a husband. She is finding a home, a family, a community, and a future. Most importantly, she learns that God often provides exactly what we need, even when His plans unfold in ways we never imagined.

 

Blessings,

Paulette D. Marshall

Today, I’m giving away a digital copy of my book MAIL-ORDER FREIGHTER. Be sure and leave a comment to be entered in the drawing for this story! Here are a couple of questions I’m interested in hearing your answers to:

What makes a place feel like home to you? Is it the people, the location, the memories, or something else?

Or

If you could choose, would you rather live on a ranch, in a small mountain town, or near a bustling city? Why?

Thanks so much for being here today!

 

The Husband Tree–rereleased–and a giveaway

OK HERE WE GO!

The Husband Tree

Belle Tanner, the meanest woman I’ve ever created.

My book opens in a line I consider among my best–

Belle Tanner threw dirt on Anthony’s handsome, worthless face.

She’s burying him.Yes, burying him along with husband’s #1, and #2 under the over-burdened roots of a tree she’s come to think of as The Husband Tree.

And vowing to never, ever marry again.

Made worse because the second scene in the book is Silas Harden, losing his second ranch due to a scheming woman and vowing to never let himself get mixed up with a woman again.

Oh, yeah, it’s a clash of titanic proportions. I’ll add here that there are three MORE books coming, beyond the six in that banner at the top, and Belle Tanner appears in them, too. Always her usual, easy-going self (kidding). One of my favorite scenes of all time is in Doctor in Petticoats when Belle Tanner appears and despite a terrible situation, somehow, once Belle enters the picture, we know everything’s gonna be okay.

What’s your favorite romantic couple in literature? Leave a comment to get your name in a drawing for an ebook copy of The Husband Tree.

Are you the Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy–Pride and Prejudice type? The Wuthering Heights/Romeo and Juliet tragic type? Think about couples, either iconic, classic books or something you’ve read that’s more contemporary. You’re all readers here at P & P so come up with one. I have a few I’ve written I might like as well as Belle and Silas, but honestly, none were more fun to write.

Possibly my favorite romantic couple is in Mischief by Amanda Quick.  Imogene and Mattias. Those two. I re-read it every once in a while, a regency romance, just to watch those two clash and fall in love. She wants to catch a killer. He wants to keep her from getting killed if there even IS a killer. Mattias the grim, ruthless, powerhouse earl everyone fears. Imogene believes (somehow) that it’s all lies and he’s a delicate, rather sensitive soul. She sets out to protect him and take care of all the dangerous stuff herself.  It’s hilarious.

The Husband Tree

A spirited Western romance filled with danger, determination, and unexpected love—a tale of a fierce widow rancher, a hardworking cowboy, and the family that brings them together. Perfect for fans of historical romance and strong heroines.

Belle Tanner has buried three husbands under the “Husband Tree” and managed her Montana ranch alone while raising four daughters. When she needs help with a dangerous cattle drive, she hires Silas Harden—a man who actually knows his way around cattle and horses. Unlike her previous husbands, Silas isn’t afraid of hard work, but Belle’s not about to let another man take charge of her ranch or her heart.

Silas never planned on falling for a widow with four daughters, especially one as independent as Belle. But as they face treacherous mountain passes, wolf attacks, and winter storms together, he discovers that what he thought was just another job might be his chance at a real family—if he can convince Belle to trust in love one more time.

With winter closing in and dangers mounting, Belle and Silas must learn to work together and trust in God’s plan. But can Belle let go of her iron control and let love lead? And can Silas prove he’s different from the husbands who came before?
A heartwarming story of faith, family, and finding love in the rugged Montana Territory.

http:maryconnealy.com 

 

The Power of Letters

 

There is something so deeply and profoundly personal about a handwritten letter.

Long before text messages, emails, and quick comments on social media, people poured their hearts onto paper. They wrote of ordinary days and extraordinary hopes. They shared news, whispered dreams, confessed fears, and carried love across miles, months, and sometimes even years.

A letter could be a promise, or a confession, a lifeline, or part of a legacy.

The power of letters has been on my mind as I’ve worked on the Petticoats & Patriots series, especially with For Liberty and Love and Declaration of Love. Though the stories are set 250 years apart, they are connected by more than history. They are tied together by courage, devotion, sacrifice, and letters.

In For Liberty and Love, Lucy Carlson lives in Philadelphia during the summer of 1776, a time when every spoken word could carry danger and every written message might change a life. Secrets mattered. Loyalty mattered. Love mattered. For Lucy and Branch, words were not casual things. They held meaning, risk, longing, and hope.

I imagined what Lucy might write to Branch. What she would say to the man who had changed her life in the middle of such uncertain times? Or what Branch might write to Lucy. How he would put into words the ache of missing her, and the fragile hope of a future neither of them could yet see?

There is something that feels almost magical about a written letter, especially when we write from the heart, preserving what we might not say aloud.

Letters give our feelings a place to rest, and allow love to linger long after the last word is read.

That same emotional thread carries into Declaration of Love, the final book in the series. This time, the story unfolds in Holiday, Oregon, as America prepares to celebrate her 250th birthday. Kate Barton (a descendant of Lucy and Branch) arrives in town for what she believes will be a temporary stop for the summer.

As part of the celebration surrounding Declaration of Love, I’ve been creating a series of postcards from Holiday. Each one offers a little glimpse of the town, the story, and the heart of Kate’s journey.

Postcards are such small things. Just a picture on one side and a few lines on the other. But they can carry so much.

Postcards remind us that even the briefest message can create connection, like a simple note of “I’m thinking of you.” A few handwritten lines can bridge distance, spark memory, and let someone know they matter.

From Lucy’s letter in 1776 to Kate’s postcards in 2026, the heart of these stories is the same: love leaves traces, whether they are found in silver lockets or faded ink.

 

One of the things I love most about the Petticoats & Patriots series are the traces of love left behind with each story. The locket passes from one heroine to the next, but it carries more than metal and history. It carries memory, choices, and the courage of women who loved deeply, stood bravely, and left pieces of their hearts for the next generation to discover.

Letters do that, too.

They become little time capsules of emotion. They tell us who we were, what we cherished, what we feared, and who mattered most. They remind us that ordinary lives are filled with extraordinary moments of dreams, hope, and love.

I think that is why old letters are so precious.

In a world that moves so quickly, handwritten words feel especially meaningful because they ask us to slow down. To think. To choose each word with care. To leave behind something tangible, something that can become part of a legacy.

As America celebrates 250 years, I find myself thinking about all the letters that must have been written across those many generations. Letters from soldiers and sweethearts, mothers and daughters, fathers and sons, friends and neighbors. Letters filled with longing, courage, worry, faith, humor, hope, and love.

Those words helped carry people through uncertain days. In many ways, the letters that remain still do.

So perhaps today is a good day to write a note. Send a card. Tuck a letter into the mail that offers encouragement.

Because love written down has a way of lasting.

And sometimes, the smallest message becomes the sweetest legacy.

Do you have a handwritten letter, card, or postcard you’ve saved because it meant something special to you?

Share your comment for a chance to win a copy of Lucy’s letter to Branch, a handwritten note from me, and some other fun swag!

 

Winnie’s Winners

 

Hello folks. I goofed.

I was so focused on getting last minute things done for my release of The Heart of Honor this week that I failed to post the winners from my last blog.

To make it up to y’all, I’ve decided to select a couple of extra winners and expand the prize from one book to two, So, the randomly selected winners are:

Quilt Lady
Joannie Sico
Mary Garback
Molly

Congratulations to each of you!

Please go to my website HERE and select the two books you’d like (paperback only), send me the titles and your mailing info, and I’ll get your signed copies on out to you.

BLUEBONNET FIELDS (AND A GIVEAWAY!) by Kara O’Neal

 

Howdy, fellow western romance readers!

I’m so excited to be back with y’all to talk about books, the West, and history! I’ve learned so much from the posts on Petticoats and Pistols, and I’m glad I get to contribute to this blog.

When I was drafting Bluebonnet Fields, the final book in the Wildflower series, I got to visit the Hill Country in Texas, which is where the bluebonnets grow. It’s also where my grandma is from. And her mother, and her mother’s mother.

They were a family of cotton pickers. Migrant workers.

My grandma grew up running the roads of the Hill Country and picking furrow after furrow of cotton.

But, in between the work, they made time for fun, and dancing was often their favorite activity.

 

Gruene Hall, in Gruene, Texas, (pronounced “green”), is the oldest continually operating dance hall in Texas. It was started in 1878, and it hasn’t changed much at all. The layout of the building is the same—bar at the front, dance floor in the middle, side-flaps for open-air dancing, tin roof, and a small stage opposite the bar. The outdoor garden, with the live oak trees and stone walk-ways are also still the same.

Oh, the fun this building has seen! The music it has heard!

Gruene Hall is one of my favorite places in Texas, and two-stepping or waltzing the night away at this establishment, as so many others have done, is a privilege and an honor.

And in Bluebonnet Fields, I was able to give that joy to Kenna and Levi. It’s where Kenna has her first dance, and where they share their first kiss. It’s truly magical.

And I can imagine my great-grandmothers there, having themselves a grand time, loving the music, dancing the night away, and maybe giving away a kiss or two!

Do you have a favorite historic spot or town that instantly transports you back in time? Please share and one commentor will win a copy of Bluebonnet Fields!

 BLUEBONNET FIELDS

Texas, 1890

Kenna Ainsley has no use for love. It only brings betrayal and disappointment. She finds solace in her work as a Harvey Girl, and the independence that brings.

But one day a stranger sits down at her table. He’s a Deputy Sheriff, and before she can blink, he’s dragging her back to Galveston on an erroneous charge that she’s a runaway wife.

Kenna plots her escape. But even as she tries to free herself, her heart is working against her. She’s falling for the handsome Deputy Sheriff, which sends her fleeing to the one place she swore she would never go.

Deputy Sheriff Levi Brandt has plans, and Kenna is at the center of them. After one look at her, he knows there’s no way in hell she’s gonna end up hitched to anyone else but him. But he’s gonna have to do some heavy lifting to get her to trust him. Lucky for her, he welcomes the weight. No matter how far she runs, he’ll find her. Always.

 

Excerpt

When Kenna entered the hall on the arm of Levi, she took in her surroundings with an excited eye. The dance floor was in the direct center. A bar was at one end, near the main doors, and the stage where the band was playing was opposite it. The area was flanked by tables, and several rectangular windows that had flaps designed to draw in a breeze.

People were about, some at the bar with glasses of beer, some at the tables eating, while couples twirled to the lively reel being played by the band. Kenna knew the tune. She’d heard it once spilling forth from a saloon in Galveston. She’d stopped to listen outside the doors for a brief moment.

“You ready?” Levi asked, leaning down near her ear.

“As ready as I’ll ever be,” she announced. She looked at him, her pulse racing in anticipation of all that was going to occur and what might occur this night.

He grinned. “Then hang on to me, darlin’, because I don’t intend to let your feet touch the floor.”

And with that, he swept her up into his arms and twirled her onto the dance floor. With his gaze locked on hers, he took her through the lively steps, spinning and whirling her to the strains of the fiddle, guitar, drum, harmonica, and banjo.

Without a care, she put her trust in him, grateful not to have to worry for one night. She was going to forget her cares and let herself go.

When the first dance ended, there was barely a second to breathe before the next one was starting. He never relinquished his hold on her. His arm was tight around her waist, and he was keeping her deliciously close as he expertly slipped them into the waltz that was now being played.

As he turned her about the room, she basked in his intent attention and possessive hold. His gaze was gleaming with heat and promise, with want and delight. She fell into his eyes and hoped in hers he saw her own desire.

The waltz melted into a reel, then back into a waltz once more, and as the evening darkened into night, her heart soared to the Heavens and stayed there. Her head was spinning, her body was humming. She never wanted to let him go.

And when another fellow tapped him on the shoulder, making Levi pause, and indicating his want to cut in, her breath caught in fear that Levi would give her up.

“No,” Levi fairly growled at the man, an instant fury leaping from him.

The fellow raised his brow, then set his jaw and walked off.

Levi immediately began dancing with her again, and she breathed a sigh of relief.

He set his lips next to her ear. “I told you, Kenna, you’re mine for tonight. I’m not sharing.”

She squeezed his hand and curled her fingers more tightly about his arm. An involuntary reaction that showed her pleasure at his gruff vow.

His answer was to tighten his arm about her waist, pulling her even closer.

 Book Purchase Link:  https://books2read.com/u/bP2ewY

What about you? Do you like to dance? If so, what is your favorite kind and where? Leave a comment to be entered in the drawing for one ebook copy of Bluebonnet Fields!

 

Author Bio

Kara O’Neal is an award-winning author of over thirty historical romances. Humor, family, love, and romance take center stage in her novels, and her characters have been touted as “real, complex, and down-to-earth”. Her books are available in print and ebook.

When not writing, she’s a teacher, but she’s always a mother to three talented children, and the wife of a man quite worthy of being called “hero”.

Telling stories is her passion, and she does so with memorable characters and unique plots certain to keep you reading late into the night! Visit Kara O’Neal at http://www.karaoneal.com.

Where to Find Kara

Website ~ Instagram Facebook ~ X ~ Pinterest ~ Newsletter ~ Goodreads ~ Bookbub ~ Amazon

Petticoats & Pistols