WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - Western Mass. is around 100 days away from the world’s only multi-state fair and for the staff at the Big E fairgrounds, it’s crunch time.

“We’re very excited,” said Director of Marketing Anne-Alise Pietruska. “It always feels like it creeps up on us, but when we get to this point, it’s really go-time.”

This year’s fair will be a little more special as the U.S. celebrates its 250th birthday.

“You’ll definitely feel more patriotism on the ground,” Pietruska said. “There’s going to be more red, white and blue. You’re going to see it in our performers. You’re going to see a lot of legacy acts and also a bunch of attractions that give ode to the history of America.”

Two of those patriotic attractions will be on display during the fair’s first six days. They include the Wreaths Across America exhibit and the 9/11 Never Forget mobile exhibit.

Staff have been working around the clock to plan and coordinate everything since last year’s fair wrapped up. Workers planted flowers just outside the Brooks building.

Pietruska confirmed all musical performances are set with just two more Big E arena announcements remaining plus a few more on the Court of Honor stage.

“I think especially with our concert announcements that we’ve been having with a lot of the legacy names like The Beach Boys, Roger Daltrey, Brad Paisley and Alice Cooper, I think that’s got the excitement going a lot earlier this year,” she said.

Pietruska said there’s also some surprises in store for fairgoers.

“You will see a new area in the front porch. We’re going to be changing that up a little bit,” she said. “That’s right in front of the Better Living Center, adding some more seating areas, so there will be some changes.”

Wednesday is your best chance to score discounted tickets. You can do so here.

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