HB1395

Written Testimony in Support of HB 1395 – AN ACT relative to the annual proclamation of “New Hampshire Day at the Big E.” Chair, Vice Chair, and members of the committee, Thank you for the opportunity to submit this written testimony in support of HB 1395, establishing an annual proclamation of New Hampshire Day at The Big E. For more than a century, the Eastern States Exposition—widely known as The Big E—has played a vital role in promoting agriculture, commerce, and cooperation among the New England states. New Hampshire has long been a proud and active participant, showcasing our agricultural heritage, small businesses, artisans, and food producers to hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. On a personal note, I have been attending The Big E with my family for the past 20 years. What began as a simple annual outing has become a cherished tradition. Each year, one of our first stops is the New Hampshire building—especially the Maple Products booth sponsored by the New Hampshire Maple Producers Association. It simply would not be a Big E visit for us without maple cotton candy and maple cream cones. That booth, like so many others representing our state, is a wonderful example of how The Big E connects families, supports local producers, and celebrates New Hampshire’s unique agricultural identity. This bill does not create a new program or require any additional state spending. Instead, it provides a meaningful and symbolic recognition of New Hampshire’s longstanding relationship with The Big E and the important role the exposition plays in supporting agriculture and economic opportunity throughout our region. By proclaiming the third Friday after Labor Day as “New Hampshire Day at The Big E,” the state formally acknowledges the contributions of those who represent New Hampshire each year and the value of regional cooperation among the New England states. Agriculture remains a cornerstone of New Hampshire’s economy and identity, particularly in our rural communities. The Big E offers an unparalleled opportunity for exposure, education, and economic activity for our farmers and food producers while fostering greater public appreciation for locally made and grown products. This proclamation also reinforces a sense of pride—pride in our state, pride in our traditions, and pride in our participation in a regional institution that has strengthened cooperation across New England for generations. For these reasons, I respectfully urge the committee to recommend HB 1395 as Ought to Pass. Thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration. Respectfully submitted, Representative Michael Aron Sullivan County District 8 Co-sponsor, HB 1395