HARTFORD, Conn., Sept. 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Big E, New England's largest agricultural fair, kicks off Friday, Sept. 14, and adding to the fun and food is the Connecticut Building — featuring nearly 60 businesses, attractions, restaurants and associations, including 13 new to this year's fair.

The complete list of Connecticut Building exhibitors is available at: www.Facebook.com/TheConnecticutBuilding.

New exhibitors and offerings include:

A variety of chowder, soups and bisques representing the five competing categories at the annual New England Chowdafest, Sept. 30 in Westport

in Three museums, including Bristol's American Clock and Watch Museum

American Clock and Watch Museum Handcrafted goods, including custom woodburnings, glassware and silhouettes

Award-winning baked goods from Michele's Pies in Norwalk

The Connecticut Craft Beer Garden has also expanded to offer beer and cider from over 20 breweries across the state, including Kent Falls Brewing in Kent, Thimble Island Brewing Company in Branford and Fox Farm Brewery in Salem.

"The Connecticut Building is a great way to showcase our state's unique businesses to visitors from New England and beyond," said Randy Fiveash, director of the Connecticut Office of Tourism. "From well-known attractions and breweries to smaller shops and restaurants, we invite everyone to experience the diverse offerings that make Connecticut a great place to live and visit."

Event-goers can also enjoy performances and activities on Connecticut Day, Wednesday, Sept. 19. The day-long celebration will feature a parade and over 10 hours of live entertainment on the front lawn stage — including a performance by Nekita Waller, Connecticut's first non-folk artist to serve as the official State Troubadour.

The Connecticut Building, part of the Avenue of States, is open daily from Sept. 14 to Sept. 30, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

About the Connecticut Office of Tourism

The Connecticut Office of Tourism, a division of the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), is dedicated to enhancing the economic growth of Connecticut's tourism industry. Together with its many state and industry partners, the Office of Tourism works to bolster the state's reputation as a destination that offers a diverse mix of activities and attractions, all in close proximity to each other – from the exciting and relaxing to the historic and innovative to the culture and nature-focused. For more information, visit www.CTvisit.com.

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SOURCE Connecticut Office of Tourism