Category Archives: Big E

Big E – Danny Grant

Date Of Visit: Sep, 2026

Location: Eastern Exposition Center, 1305 Memorial Ave, West Springfield, MA (2 hours west of Boston, MA)

Parking: There are parking lots at the Big E as well as various lots near the Exposition Center

Cost: Ticket prices vary by age. But admission for an adult is $20

Website: The Big E

Summary: Danny Grant performed rope tricks at Dolly’s Honky Tonk at the Big E!

The annual Big E event in West Springfield may be known mostly for its good eats, concerts by big names like Roger Daltrey, the Beach Boys and Ice Cube. But, there is also a wide variety of entertainers with a special set of skills. One of these entertainers is Danny Grant of Cowboy Circus.

Danny adds music and banter to his act.

Some of Danny’s more impressive tricks included using two lassos and stepping in and out of the ropes.

And sometimes he even did rope tricks with his toes!

THos are just a few of the tricks Danny used. He had a lot more tricks up his sleeve, or arm!

I couldn’t help but smile while I was photographing Danny. It’s always a pleasure watching an expert ply their trade. Those are very often the easiest photo shoots. Just set your camera, adjust accordingly and enjoy the show.


Big E Circus Spectacular (Eastern States Exposition, West Springfield, MA)

Date Of Event: Sep 22, 2023

Location: Eastern States Exposition, 1305 Memorial Ave West Springfield, MA (1.5 hours southwest of Boston, MA or half an hour north of Hartford, CT)

Summary: A group of international performers came to the Big E Circus Spectacular to show off their talents

While most of the 1.4 million people who visited the Big E Festival in West Springfield this year came for the food, beverages and rides, my favorite attraction was the Circus Spectacular! Each year, a dozen or so performers come to put on a show for the 1,600 plus spectators.

Chu-Chuan Ho started off the Circus Spectacular with his Diablo act.

 Susan Vidbel kept the audience in suspense with her Cloud Swing act.

The Amazing Alec, a chair balancing extraordinaire from the Big Apple Circus, showed off his balance and strength.

The Italian performer Gimmi Fornaciari, also known as Laserman, kept the crowd captivated with his lightshow.

The Drazdov Trio mixed aerobatics, agility and strength in their Russian Bar show.

And, last but not least, the High Wire Sky Cycle kept everyone on the edge of their seats.

The annual Circus Spectacular is only one part of the Big E Festival. I am working on editing photos from the festival and hope to post them soon!