Connecticut Building at The Big E Unveils First Major Renovation in 30 Years, Showcasing New Branding and Interactive Features

HARTFORD, Conn. (Sept. 5, 2024) – The Connecticut Office of Statewide Marketing & Tourism is thrilled to announce the grand unveiling of the newly renovated Connecticut Building at The Big E, marking its first significant interior update in nearly 30 years. The refreshed interior aligns with the state’s latest branding initiatives and features an array of visual and interactive features that highlight why Connecticut is the ideal place to live, work, and play. The renovated building will be on full display at this year’s fair, running from September 13 – 29. 

Major upgrades to the building include:

• Refreshed interior reflecting the latest Connecticut branding, which launched in October 2023, prominently featuring the iconic C+T logo.

• A nearly 10-foot-tall digital monument located at the entrance of the building.

• The “CT Zone,” an interactive area highlighting Connecticut innovation with engaging activities for all ages, including an astronaut spacesuit and a quarter-scale jet engine model on display from RTX, and a lunar lander exhibit from the Connecticut Science Center.

• The first-ever “Shop CT” experience, created in collaboration with The Bristol Bazaar, featuring Connecticut-branded merchandise.

• Numerous Instagram-worthy backdrops and visuals for visitors to capture memorable photos.

For Anthony Anthony, Chief Marketing Officer for the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, the renovation of the Connecticut Building has been a project close to his heart. “We are excited to welcome visitors to the newly renovated Connecticut Building. It’s more than just an update—it’s a more vibrant and modern reflection of our state’s pride and progress. Every feature was thoughtfully designed to make Connecticut stand out as a destination people will want to explore, not just a pass through.”

This year’s Connecticut Building will also feature over 50 vendors, including new and returning favorites. A sample of offerings fairgoers can expect includes:

• Culinary Delights: Savor mouthwatering treats like lobster rolls from Lenny & Joe’s, New Haven-style slices from Randy’s Wooster St. Pizza, Mediterranean cuisine from Noujaim’s Bistro, Sweet Madeline’s cider doughnuts, artisan ice cream from J. Foster, and the much-anticipated return of super-sized loaded baked potatoes from Danny’s Smokehouse.

• Expanded Connecticut Craft Beer Garden, featuring a wide selection of craft breweries from around the state including five new additions such as Owl’s Brew from Stamford, Yankee Cider Company in East Haddam, Little House Brewing Company in Chester, Timber Ales Brewing in North Haven, and Great Falls Brewing Company in North Canaan.

• Connecticut-Made Products and Shops: Discover Connecticut-made goods such as goat milk soap from Juniper Loft Soap, soy candles and skincare products from Cottage Wicks, all-natural dog and cat treats from Oma’s Pride, wooden signs and coasters from VinylDelities, and much more.

• More than 15 wine varieties from wineries and vineyards across the state at the Connecticut Farm Wineries booth, including the popular “Frosé” wine slushie. Among the featured wines is Blueberry Bliss from Jones Winery, winner in three categories at the 2024 Big E Wine Competition. 

• Returning favorites like the Florence Griswold Museum, Republic Gastropub, Papa’s Connecticut Mountain Brew, Mohegan Sun, Good Ole Boys Kettle Korn, Connecticut Valley Tobacconist, and more.

• Interactive Exhibits: Engage with interactive displays from the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection, Connecticut Trolley Museum, and other organizations. 

• Connecticut-Grown Products: The Department of Agriculture booth will showcase a variety of Connecticut-grown products, with 20 different vendors, including three new to the fair, representing farmers and growers around the state.

“It’s great to be back again in the Connecticut Building, giving agriculture businesses across the state the opportunity to showcase a wide variety of CT Grown products to visitors from New England and beyond,” said Bryan P. Hurlburt, Commissioner of Connecticut’s Department of Agriculture. “We are pleased to showcase a total of 20 unique agriculture businesses along with 10 CT farm wineries. We hope our exhibits inspire fairgoers to plan visits to these great small businesses and enjoy some of the wonderful agritourism offerings that can be found throughout Connecticut as part of the CT Grown Trail.”

Connecticut Day at The Big E is Wednesday, September 18. Attendees can enjoy a day-long celebration featuring a parade and over 10 hours of live entertainment, including performances by several bands and musicians on Connecticut’s front lawn stage. This year, three exciting new performances will take the stage for the first time: Nashville recording artist Nick Bosse, the School of Rock New Canaan House Band, and the awarding-winning Connecticut rock band RED LIGHT, led by none other than Rachel Lenda, the tourism director for the Office of Statewide Marketing & Tourism. 

“This year’s renovation of the Connecticut Building isn’t just a reflection of our state’s dynamic spirit—it’s an invitation to experience Connecticut in new and exciting ways. I’m especially thrilled to be part of the live entertainment lineup with my band, Red Light, bringing our state’s vibrant culture to the stage. Whether you’re here for the music, the food, or the innovative displays, there’s something for everyone to discover. We can’t wait to welcome visitors and show them why Connecticut is truly the place to be.”

The Connecticut Building will be open daily during The Big E from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

For more information, follow the Connecticut Building on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheConnecticutBuilding/