Round Up Connections at Dolly’s at The Big E

Tasha, a fairgoer, has a blast on the mechanical bull.

Get your cowboy boots and your business cards ready! Eastern States Exposition (ESE) and Young Professional Society (YPS) of Greater Springfield invite those looking to grow their professional network to Dolly’s Honky Tonk, located at Gate 7 at The Big E, on Thursday, Sept. 24, from 5:30-7:30pm. YPS members attend the Fair for free when they RSVP by Sept. 1, but spaces are limited.

ESE is expanding its commitment to the Greater Springfield community through a partnership with the YPS of Greater Springfield, providing a unique benefit for young professionals starting and growing their careers at the local level. The partnership brings together two organizations invested in strengthening the community while creating opportunities for the region’s emerging workforce to connect, engage and experience The Big E.

All attendees must RSVP by 11:59pm on Tuesday, Sept. 1, at SpringfieldYPS.com. YPS members receive free admission to the Fair the day of the event when they RSVP by the deadline. Non-members interested in attending must also RSVP on the YPS website, but they will pay standard admission at the gate, which is $11 after 5pm. There are limited tickets available for members, so be sure to sign up to secure your spot. Parking is available at Gate 9A of The Big E fairgrounds. Parking passes are not provided.

The evening promises to be a buttoned-down, cowboy-boots-on-the-ground opportunity for eager and ambitious young people in the workforce or just entering it to build connections and friendships with like-minded individuals. Establish your footing in the Pioneer Valley’s professional network as you find your footing with line dancing lessons on the dance floor.

Elizabeth Gourde, communications and public relations coordinator at Eastern States Exposition, stands at left.

“During The Big E, West Springfield becomes the second largest municipality in Massachusetts, rivaled only by Boston,” said Elizabeth Gourde, communications and public relations coordinator at ESE. “As a multi-state Fair with the ability to attract thousands of people to Western Mass., the Fair is not only the best place to spend your time after hours, but also a fantastic place to network and meet other ambitious professionals in the region.”

Fairgoers try the hand at Stompin’s Boots instructional line dancing.

Gourde is also a proud member of the Executive Board for YPS of Greater Springfield. She states that attendees can look forward to free entertainment in Dolly’s Honky Tonk all evening, including Trick Roper Mackenzie Fish at 5 & 8pm, Stompin’ Boots line dancing lessons at 6pm and musical renditions by Cowboy Mike at 9pm for those that linger longer than the event time.

Dolly’s Mechanical Bull will also be operable, and there is a great food and drink selection for purchase at the Boot Scootin’ Saloon, featuring beer served in a cowboy boot glass, the Crazy Cowboy Cheeseburger and the all-new Dolly’s Dogs, which are a whimsical western spin on a classic hot dog.

The last thing you might expect is a touch of Nashville in the heart of New England, but that’s what makes The Big E so unique: it’s where you learn to unexpect everything. Get your tickets today at TheBigE.com, and we’ll see you at the YPS gathering at Dolly’s Honky Tonk!