To come to the Big E you have to be prepared. Many people spend hours there and some have a clear plan of attack so they're prepared for everything.

Karen Phillips from Enfield said, "We're here for the whole day."

She's at the Big E with her 2 daughters and a friend for an entire afternoon and evening of old favorites

Lisa Hughes from Southwick said she's looking forward to chocolate eclairs and cream puffs.

Megan Phillips, 12 years old, said she loves the baked potatoes.

But they're also looking forward to new traditions.

Lisa Hughes said, "I'm going to try something new: chocolate covered key lime pie on stick."

The group arrived at 12:30 Friday afternoon and had a picnic out front of the Maine State house to get ready for everything the Big E has to offer.

Karen Phillips said, "For the kids, we wanted to see the circus and the sea lions." The sea lions are an attraction her daughter Katie who is 10 years old enjoys. Katie Phillips says, "Their heads weighed a lot."

Katie isn't the only one who likes to see the sea lions. Lots of people gathered to watch them under another attraction on Friday. The sun. Many people put on sunscreen and brought their jackets for when the sun goes down. Others prepared for the Big E as if they were going for a hike.

Tom Foxwell from Greenfield said, "I've got my walking cane to keep me going and my water bottle."

Foxwell arrived at the Big E at 8:30 in the morning and plans to leave when it's dark. He brought water and a backpack.

Foxwell said, "There's so much to see at the Big E. You get thirsty and dehydrated. You have to keep your fluids up."

Also wearing a backpack is an easy way to keep your hands free to eat all the Big E foods. Because when you get right down to it. It's the food that draws the big crowds even when you finally call it a day. Katie Phillips is already thinking about what she's leaving with.

She said, "[I'm looking forward to] getting kettle corn at the end."