Thousands attend Connecticut Day at Big E

WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA. (WTNH) -- Thousands of Connecticut residents took Wednesday off and headed just north of the border to Connecticut Day at The Big E in West Springfield.

Connecticut Day traditionally has the biggest weekday attendance at the 17 day event.

"Zipity do da, zipity a, wonderful feeling, wonderful day."

With the 'Coastal Chordsmen' from Bridgeport serenading in the background, thousands of Connecticut residents made the annual pilgrimage on this 'Connecticut Day' to New England's largest fair.

Hundreds do it every year.

"Yes I do," said Maria Johnson, of Ansonia.

"Why is that," asked News 8's Mark Davis.

"Because I'm from Connecticut," Johnson said laughing.

"I've been coming to the 'Big E' ever since I was a little kid," said Stefanie Zottola, of Naugatuck, "we just keep coming back every year."

There's a full days worth of stuff to see and you can shop for everything from tractors to jewelry, but mostly it's about the food.

Everything from Frankie's famous foot-long hotdogs from Waterbury, to those baked potatoes on steroids from Danny's Little Taste of Texas in South Windsor, and everyone has their favorite.

"The one I probably like the best was from Rosie's in there just now," said Joe Guerra, of Wallingford, "chocolate covered bacon."

Yes, New Britain is famous for Polish food and Rosie's chocolate covered bacon.

"It is my absolute favorite thing," said Kimberly Gay, of East Hampton, "it's fantastic, little bit of sweet, little bit of salt."

And Rosie has other chocolate covered Big E delicacies as well.

"All right, so here we go, everyone's talking about it Rosie, that's the chocolate covered bacon, right," asked Davis.

"Chocolate bacon, salty and sweet," Rosie replied.

It is salty and sweet," said Davis. "This is a chocolate covered pickle?"

"Yup," said Rosie.

"Dill pickle," said Davis, "I think I'll save this for the ride home."

The Big E continues through the end of the month.