Emu Infiltrate Eastern States Exposition.

For many New Englanders the Eastern States Exposition or “Big E” heralds the turn of seasons as it places the bounty of early autumn on display.  This is New England's largest fair. Top name entertainment, major exhibits,  history and agriculture, animals, rides, shopping, crafts, a daily parade and foods from around the world for 17 glorious days - September 17th – October 4th,  Holding strongly to its agricultural roots livestock still takes front stage for many of the scheduled events. 

 

Dairy judging, milking contests, oxen-pulls, sheep, poultry and horse shows and dog herding demonstrations abound.  But over the last few years a new animal has been infiltrating New England agriculture – the Emu.  And while you may not catch site of the birds themselves you will have the opportunity to learn a bit more about them and sample their products from some of the exhibitors.

 

Vermont Prime Emu Producers (VPEP) staffs a booth in the Vermont building where you can purchase a large assortment of emu oil products for health and beauty.  The booth is manned by friends and family of the 4 farms which banded together to form VPEP.  Riverside Emus, Emus of Vermont, Bob-O-Link Farm, and Neshobe Farm.  They are always happy to talk about the birds and emu farming.   Just be warned their products have become so popular that it is not uncommon for a long line to form before their booth.

 

In the Massachusetts Building, the Chili Station, producers of award winning chili have specially crafted a new chili for this year – Emu Chili.  Proprietor Jeff Belkin says that he is very “pleased with the taste of this new recipe and loves the heart healthy nature of the meat”.  The ground emu comes from Songline Emu Farm of Gill MA.

 

On Massachusetts day, Thursday, Sept 24th, the Massachusetts Department of Agriculture will be giving awards to the winners of the 2010 Agricultural Calendar photo contest.  12 winning photos have been selected to be displayed in a beautiful calendar which represents the vitality and diversity of the Commonwealth’s farms, crops and products throughout the seasons.  One of the winning photos was taken by Dee Dee Mares of Songline Emu Farm in Gill MA showing 2 adorable emu chicks and an emerald green egg.  Calendars will be available for sale inside the Massachusetts building. So attend the fair, enjoy the beauty of this season and keep an eye out for the emus.