Submit Your 2024 Application for the Maine Building

Maine brands, businesses, and promotional groups who want to join us for the Big E Fair in September 2024 should apply soon! The Department anticipates announcing conditional awardees by March 1, with an Exhibitor orientation webinar in March; therefore, it’s recommended applicants apply within the coming weeks to be considered. Applicants who submit by the January 1 priority deadline automatically receive 10 bonus points. However, applications received after January 1 will be accepted and scored through March 1. A waitlist may be developed based on the number of applications received and the available space. Thank you for helping us to showcase the best of Maine at DACF’s building during the Big E Fair. — Sincerely, Maine Building Management

Maine Building 2024 Application

Considering Applying? Here’s What You Need to Know:

Helpful Informational Material to Review Before Applying

• Applicant FAQs and selection priorities (PDF)
• Demographics and visitor stats (PDF)
• Past Big E fair gate attendance
• Exhibitor Resources (helpful for understanding preparation needs)

What Types of Brands, Businesses and Organizations are Successful?

• Focused and ready to rent short- or long-term event space to sell, promote, or offer other outreach to thousands of Big E fairgoers in September
• Food or beverage business with a knack for Maine flavors and ingredients
• Maker of special mementos whose customers seek Maine craftsmanship
• Experiential e-commerce pop-up with savvy to help guests “see – shop – ship” 
• Friendly people who share a warm welcome to the Maine way of life

More Ways to Represent and Support Maine at the Big E Fair

Select the appropriate link for easy access to more details: 

• Just announced: Entertainment and Ambassador Interest Form
  • Target submission deadline: April
  • Who should use it? Ideal for special event day guests, hosts, etc., who would like to help celebrate 4-H/FFA & Maine Day, Harvest New England Day, and extend Maine’s hospitality to fairgoers on those days.
• New! B2B Supplier Form 
  • Target submission deadline: April
  • What is it? A pilot directory to help all Exhibitors feature more of Maine, such as Maine-grown ingredients, as they plan their inventory and logistics.
  • Why should Maine brands and businesses participate? This is a business-to-business introduction to brands eager to feature Maine quality to fairgoers from New England.
  • What do Exhibitors seek? Other Maine businesses and brands looking to expand sales opportunities to help supply Maine farm ingredients during the fair, as part of product ingredients; Maine businesses that offer promotional, apparel and design services, or food, beverage, and supplies such as paper goods – including those that self-distribute or use other regional partners. 
• Big E! Retail Store of New England farm and food products
  • This marketplace is located on the fairgrounds and offers retail consignment opportunities during the fair and year-round. 
• Bookmark for future use: Big E Parade website 
  • Parade Application opens in March 2024.
  • All inquiries and submissions should go directly to the fair, which oversees selection and manages the fair parade.
• Bookmark for future use: Big E Fair Agricultural Competitions
  • Applications typically open annually in Spring and Summer, and interested applicants should submit information directly to the Big E.
  • From wine and craft beverages, New England cheese, 4-H, and FFA to livestock, equine, horticulture, and other skills competitions, participants can help showcase the value of New England agriculture with many of these longstanding events.

Helpful Info – Save for future use

• MDACF webpage: www.maine.gov/dacf/bigemainebuilding
• Building Management Email: ACFBigE@Maine.gov
• 2024 Event Dates: Sept. 13, through 29, 2024
• Maine Day – First Saturday of the Fair – 9/14/24
• 4-H/FFA Day – First Saturday of the Fair – 9/14/24
• Harvest New England Day – Last Friday of the Fair 9/27/24