Welcome to Thursday Doors! This is a weekly challenge for people who love doors and architecture to come together to admire and share their favorite door photos, drawings, or other images or stories from around the world. If you’d like to join us, simply create your own Thursday Doors post each (or any) week and then share a link to your post in the comments below, anytime between 12:01 am Thursday morning and Saturday noon (North American eastern time). If you like, you can add our badge to your post.

Our daughter and I went to the Big-E, The Great New England Fair, on Tuesday. Most of the photos in the gallery include doors or things that represent an opening between an inside and an outside.

The reason I point that out, is we (Thursday Doors is a group thing) have received a few comments during the past few months (including two I have removed) that seem to question the validity of certain photos / posts. I’ve covered some of these issues before. I promised to update the general participation guidelines. I have not done that – sorry. But for the record, every post that has been linked to this page and/or included in the Sunday Recap has been a valid Thursday Doors post.

Photos of doors, drawings of doors, descriptions of doors, photos of places that used to have a door, images of doors legally provided by others (and yes, for the kind of blogging that gets attached to Thursday Doors, that includes Google Maps), memories of doors, doors in our imagination, door metaphors, openings, gateways and portals and things that look like any of these things are welcome here. And every photo in a collection shared to Thursday Doors doesn’t have to be a door.

Scroll through the gallery. Click on some of the links in the comments. Come back on Sunday to catch up. Enjoy the doors!

If you are in a hurry and don’t wish to scroll through the comments, click to Jump to the comment form.

All five of my current books are now available in audio book form thanks to Amazon KDP’s Virtual Voice process. The voice is AI generated, but I can honestly say, it’s pretty darn good. The audio books are reasonably priced (all below $7 US) and, if you already own the Kindle version and want to add an audio version, you can do that for $1.99. There is a five-minute sample on the book page for each book. If you’re interested, click on any of the Dreamer’s Alliance book links below the image or on the link below for my latest book.

Bridge to Nowhere

117 responses to “Big-E 2022”

  1. Sheesh… what a thing to get upset about. I like the inclusiveness of Thursday Doors. I know I’m not the only one who has even posted interesting graves/tombs… doors to the other side. I’m a bit jealous of your fair. For some reason, we didn’t make it to our county fair this year.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. We try to get to this fair every year. We walk our standard loop, eat the things we eat and enjoy a fall day.

      I remember including some things that we’re your typical door, when Norm ran the blog. He never seemed to mind. I figure, if someone thinks of Thursday Doors with a photo or a post or whatnot, it’s welcome here. Doors to the other side is a great example. I hope you have a nice weekend coming up.

      Liked by 1 person

  2. […] Dan Antion’s weekly challenge Thursday Doors, where door lovers from all over the world come together – do have a […]

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  3. Just wondering…is that one guy selling corn dogs?😂😂love it but the tobacco is an intriguing photo. Sometimes I wonder why people are so horribly picky. I can’t imagine what they have to complain about, live your posts Dan

    Sent from my iPhone

    >

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Yes, Corn Dogs are offered by several vendors throughout the fair. The tobacco guy has been there for many years. I guess he sells enough to make it worth renting a space. I don’t know why people want to complain. If they want rigid rules, they can start their own challenge. Have a great weekend, Cheryl.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Yes hard to miss him😀Thank you, same to you.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. You know I asked that corn dog question as a joke, right?😂

        Liked by 1 person

  4. Some people don’t know what to moan about at times.. I love Thursday Doors. Here is my entry https://brashley.photography/2022/09/29/exterior-door-quebec-house/

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I guess that’s a good enough explanation. Your door photo is delightful.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Luckily I’ve not had to deal with many ..but it takes its toll on you when people get so nitpicky.. I love Thursday doors..and how inclusive it is. Xx

        Liked by 1 person

  5. […] Written for Dan Antion @No Facilites – #ThursdayDoors […]

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  6. […] comes Thursday again and that means it’s time for Thursday Doors. Hurrah! A few days ago I met Donna from Wind Kisses at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix. I […]

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  7. Sometimes you wonder where do they find the time… Big-E looks like so much fun, great photos too, Dan.
    Here is mine:

    Thursday Doors – Melrose Abbey

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I agree, Sofia. No need to be petty or pedantic here. The fair was a fun time. Your photo is beautiful.

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Hi Dan – I thought a mannequin was manning (or mannequining) the info stand?! Lots of specific buildings with appropriate local businesses and crafts to spend time in … and then lots of snacks to be tempted by, let alone the proliferation of scents and signs … a daunting fair to visit comprehensively. Still glad you and Faith were able to enjoy together … cheers Hilary

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Haha – I’m laughing, Hilary. The guy in the information stand didn’t seem all that interested. I can’t imagine it’s an exciting job. We don’t take in the entire fair, but we do walk through a couple of the exhibit buildings. It’s a good time. Tempting food, but I didn’t overeat too much.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I couldn’t see ‘a body’ – hence the mannequin thought … I’m sure it’s pretty dull (to put it mildly) … but I’m glad you were able to enjoy the time with Faith … and I’m glad the food stands didn’t tempt you too much … cheers H

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Truth be told, I ate my fill before I saw the hot dog stand. Cheers

          Liked by 1 person

  9. The gentle giant with his low and symbolic door and the tobacco barn :)
    So luck, both of you, to enjoy spending time in each other’ company :)

    Thank you for standing up for our wide variety of door-related blog posts, Dan.

    Best wishes going forward,
    Pat

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Gentle Giant, indeed, Patricia. Baron could bust out of that place in a heartbeat. They are such beautiful animals. We enjoyed our afternoon at the fair.

      Thursday Doors welcomes every celebration of doors. Thanks for bringing us such an interesting one today.

      Liked by 1 person

  10. A great collection of doors! I think one of the best things about Thursday Doors is how it gets us thinking about what doors (or their absence) mean, and then we see how doors mark our living. I congratulate the organizers of this fair on arranging for that very blue sky — what a topping!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. We were grateful for that blue sky and for the moderate temperature. We’ve baked under 90-degree temps, and we’ve been there during a cold rain that had us buying hot coffee just so we could hold the cup.

      Several people have said that they look at doors differently after following or participating in this challenge. I know I have

      Liked by 1 person

  11. Some lovely doors and a really wide variety. The plastic covering on the seat of the tractor made me laugh. It is a tractor for goodness’ sake, it might get a little grubby.

    My offering is some green doors from Porto: https://scooj.org/2022/09/29/thursday-doors-29-september-2022/

    Liked by 1 person

    1. We go to this fair almost every year, so I try to get photos I haven’t found before.

      You have a nice collection of green doors today!

      Liked by 1 person

  12. My first thought was the information booth as actually an outdoor outhouse.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Haha – they guy didn’t seem like he wanted to be bothered, Frank ;-)

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      1. Glad to give you a different perspective on that pic.

        Liked by 1 person

  13. The New England Grange is an attractive building with a nice clean cut entrance. But what I like most about it is the window above the entrance.

    The Farm-A-Rama doorway is the best because it leads to Baron and his buddies. The Clydesdales are magnificent gentle giants.

    I really like the door on the Connecticut Building.

    The West Springfield Fire department/restaurant has two great entrances.

    Only have to look at that sky to know what a perfect weather day you and Faith had. Keep the memory of this outing Dan….soon we will be knee deep in snow!
    Ginger

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’m glad you enjoyed this, Ginger. In January, we hope that the Woodworking Show returns to the fairground. They setup in one of the buildings, but we often have to park in the snow and trudge through some slush to get there. One year, we waited in line in single-digit temps. Hey, it’s New England, that’s what we get.

      We like stopping in the Farm-A-Rama. In addition to those beautiful horses they had chickens, goats, pigs, llamas and alpacas.

      And you know I can’t walk past a fire station without stopping for a photo.

      I hope you have a nice weekend.

      Like

  14. […] more wonderful doors, please visit Dan’s site.. No Facilities… https://nofacilities.com/2022/09/29/big-e-2022/ Thursday Doors is a weekly feature that allows fellow door lovers to come together and admire and […]

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  15. I love that hot dog stand! I’ve got some more door and window guardians this week.

    Devil Guardians (Thursday Doors)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. For a small stand, they certainly made it stand out.

      Yours in an interesting post today. Making us think a bit. Good job.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks Dan. I can credit Punam for her thoughtful prompt.

        Liked by 1 person

  16. Good morning I look forward to Thursday – love this feature.. here is my post for today.. fall greetings to all.. https://dymoonblog.com/2022/09/29/thursday-doors-71/

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you. I always enjoy your post and photos!

      Liked by 1 person

  17. It’s quite obvious why you and Faith visit here!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It’s always a nice afternoon, GP.

      Liked by 1 person

  18. Why are people getting bent out of shape over the validity of a door? After all, Thursday Doors is a fun group for the one purpose of entertaining the bloggers within the group and their followers. Policing the group is unnecessary and ridiculous.

    It’s been ages since I’ve been to a fair. I hope you and Faith had a good time.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Glynis. We had a great time. As to why people complain, I have no clue, but their complaints fall on deaf ears with me. The ones that called our particular bloggers are gone. This is a community challenge, and I’ll let the community establish the boundaries. I like the way people expand the meaning of “door” to include many wonderful things. That’s what’s great about people.

      Liked by 2 people

  19. […] This post is part of Thursday Doors a weekly challenge group. You can find many other door posts over on our host’s site found here.https://nofacilities.com/2022/09/29/big-e-2022/ […]

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  20. Blueberry pie and ice cream..oh, yeah! A small town in AL has a blueberry festival every year and we go, mostly for the blueberry desserts. Husband has been known to say, “But you can make this stuff…” But it tastes so much better at a festival/fair.
    Baron is such a beautiful horse. Gentle giant is a wonderful description.
    People complaining about doors…good gosh. Get a freakin’ life.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. If anyone else complains, I’m going to send them to you ;-)

      I have been stopping for that blueberry pie and ice cream for almost 40 years, Lois. It’s so good. Yeah, yeah, make it at home for less, but, I’ll have mine at the fair.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Send ’em my way, Dan. My inner Jersey girl is just dying to come out. 😉

        Liked by 1 person

  21. […] and themes every week, Instagram also has the same. I just want to share with you some of the DOORS which I have sketched in my own […]

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  22. Just for the record, Dan, I am enjoying your Thursday Doors Challenge… don’t mind the others! Seems like a great time at the fair.

    Here is my entry for this week! https://mywanderings.travel.blog/2022/09/29/doors-in-my-own-style/

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Teresa. The fair was a fun time. Your post today is a perfect example of how Thursday Doors can be different things at different times. Your sketches are lovely!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Yes, to each their own… what matters is that you are enjoying! 👍

        Liked by 1 person

  23. The big E sounds like a great experience Dan. And sunshine weather a very nice combo.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. We had perfect weather, John and a great time.

      Liked by 1 person

  24. It looks like a great fair! I enjoyed the foot steps or would they be foot holds in the blur booth.? Do people really climb them to get up high enough to talk to the person sitting in the booth I wonder? 😀

    The Clydesdale Gentle Giant is gorgeous and his stall door for the day/fair was lovely.
    It’s hard to pick a favorite building and or door but, I’ll go with the stately New Hampshire entryway…what a portico and entrance! It’s grand!

    I’m so glad the rules for doors here are relaxed because there have been so many interesting, fun, and entertaining portals shared over the years! Thanks for keeping it that way.

    My door entry for this week is here… https://circadianreflections.com/2022/09/29/thurs-doors-the-little-church-of-the-crossroads/

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Deborah. I guess you can shout up to the guy (seems like you might have to wake him). What a job. Still, I guess it comes with free admission, so you’re going to eat well for a couple weeks.

      The state buildings are the signature highlight of the fair. The ground they sit on is actually considered part of the state the buildings represent.

      I love the range of posts that link to this challenge. If you haven’t checked Teresa’s (two up) you should. I know you are also talented in sketching and painting.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. So, they have Embassy status! That’s cool. I’ll check her out, thanks for the recommendation!😀

        Liked by 1 person

  25. Naturally I like Baron’s door (and Baron) and I love the color of the information stand and that it’s so tall, where people who need it wouldn’t have trouble finding it. I love the look of the building selling tobacco, although none for me, thanks. The door to the Connecticut building is quite nice as well.

    I’m sharing some small doors this week, apartment doors really…https://sustainabilitea.wordpress.com/2022/09/29/thursday-doorsinsect-doors/#DesertBotanicalGarden/#Phoenix/#insecthouses

    janet

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I figured you’d like Baron’s door. Although, I don’t think it would hold him if he wanted to get out.

      I loved the doors you shared today.

      Liked by 1 person

  26. I love these photos! Ah, corn dogs and lemonade. The things that fairs are made of – that and funnel cake. :)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Spoken like a true fair aficionado. Thanks Jan.

      Liked by 1 person

  27. Goodness, those fairgrounds must be HUGE! What a venue this is, to have those buildings dedicated to particular states. And they’re permanent, to boot! Are they open year round? I’m with you on the deep-fried cheese, except for maybe Mozzarella sticks… with some Zucchini sticks thrown in, yum!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The fairgrounds hold functions throughout the year. The state buildings are owned by the states, and the property they stand on is considered part of that state. States can and do hold functions there throughout the year, though not often. The fairground cover 175 acres.

      Liked by 1 person

  28. Sounds and looks like a fun event. Hope you had fun there too in addition to photographing nice views. Aah it’s already the end of Sept. – am not ready for Fall yet (also it will be Thanksgiving before I can keep the doors closed at night!

    THURS DOORS – MID ROW (sept 29)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Fall is coming in fast up here. The temperature in the mornings is in the high 40s now. We don’t have a lot of leaves on the ground yet. That usually starts the end of October.

      I liked your doors today, and I especially liked the photo of the windows with the reflections.

      Like

  29. It’s a shame that people feel they have to make critical comments about a fun event that encourages people’s creativity. Looks like a grand event with a bit of everything!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I am officially ignoring those comments. I wanted to make it clear, in case anyone, to whom the comments referred to, had seen them. The fair is always a good time. We try to visit a lot of different exhibits.

      Like

  30. I’ve spent my limited time in the US largely in New England, but I’d no idea that there was such a fair. Looks fun and interesting. I really liked your shot from in the Connecticut (?) building. Took a good second look to figure out what was going on.

    Well-beaten paths

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The Big-E fairground is tucked away in West Springfield, MA. It’s not on the beaten path, unless the fair is underway. I don’t know how much advertising they do outside the Connecticut River valley.

      I enjoyed your post today. A little history and a little mystery. Great photos.

      Liked by 1 person

  31. […] you subtract the space needed to park a motorbike (like in the featured photo). I passed the open doors to houses with little gardens and courtyards. In this part of Odisha a wedding in the family is […]

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  32. LOL. I love that you included the information booth door. Hugs on the wing.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’m glad you like that, Teagan. I’ve posted doors from the Big-E several times. I don’t mind posting pictures from some of the standard buildings, but I like to add a few new ones.

      Liked by 1 person

  33. Hi Dan, Some great pictures and doors at the fair. We used to have nice Christmas markets but I’m not sure if they will come back now that the pandemic has passed. I guess I’ll see closer to Christmas. I do enjoy fairs and markets.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The Big-E was cancelled in 2020. It returned in 2021. We went last years, wearing masks when indoors. They had a pretty good crowd. This year, the crowd seemed almost at pre-pandemic levels.

      Liked by 1 person

  34. Great fair and doors, Dan. I can’t believe someone would actually take the time to question a post.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Two people, John. I guess it’s easy for some people to get spun up over trivial things. I was worried that some people might have seen those comments, so I wanted to make sure everyone understands that if you say its a door, it’s a door. The fair is a fun time.

      Liked by 2 people

  35. […] For Thursday Doors challenge hosted by Dan at No Facilities […]

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  36. Question the validity? How rude. I love your guideline paragraph. And I love Baron. The food displays seem a bit… loud. I love the tobacco display more. (Even though I wouldn’t.) But most of all I’m glad that you had a lovely together time.

    (I didn’t write this in my post, but my father is in hospital for Covid pneumonia since Tuesday. He is on oxygen, but needs less and less of it. He had been testing negative for an entire week with high fever before he was admitted. I do hope he is out soon.)

    My post brings a selection of doors from our happening September of last year. I find them cheerful and extremely valid. https://manjameximexcessive6.wordpress.com/2022/09/29/thursday-doors-29-9-22-september-2021/#Italy#Slovenia#Padua#Tuscany#Lazio

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I am sorry to hear about your father. I will include him in our prayers. Through all these years, I feel like I know him. I’m glad you like Baron and his door. I don’t think it would stop him, if he wanted out, but he was content to stay in his stall and eat.

      I love the images people bring to this challenge to share. I don’t want anyone to feel like their doors aren’t welcome.

      Your doors are excellent. I had a hard time finding ones to put ahead f the others, but I picked three.

      Liked by 1 person

  37. My favourite would have to be the door in the Connecticut building. I’ve always loved sliding barn doors. And you were right: the word door could refer to so much, both internally and externally. Wonder if I should think more on this…?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Pam. I love sliding doors, too. I would be interested in your thoughts on this subject. It seems most people agree that ‘door’ is a more inclusive term than many would think.

      Liked by 1 person

  38. […] And … I came home with some homegrown tomatoes from her garden. A great day. Check out other doors at Dan Anton’s place. […]

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  39. Humans. Once again thinking the world is interested in their judgment. If not for your broad view of what constitutes a door I’d be out in the cold. That is one beautiful horse. And I can’t help it… ‘Farm a Rama’ 🫢😂😂It looks like a fun event Dan. Hi to Faith.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Cheryl. I can’t be bothered with ridged rules for participating in a what should be a fun challenge. Baron is one beautiful horse.

      Liked by 1 person

  40. […] September 29, 2022 Written by onemillionphotographs Thursday Doors: Old San Juan, Puerto Rico […]

    Liked by 1 person

  41. This looks like it was so. much. fun. The doors are great, but so is the vibe of your photos.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’m glad you like them, Ally. It’s impossible not to include the people, and they all seem to be enjoying themselves, as we were.

      Liked by 1 person

  42. […] To see more doors linked on Dan’s blog, click here. […]

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  43. […] Antion is offering a series on doors Thursday Door Challenge. Come visit with us, enjoy learning about doors in the world and its history. Ciao.ValentinaAmazon […]

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  44. Your selection shows great pieces of Americana culture, Dan. I love the tobacconist.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. That little hut is quite the structure.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I bet the smell of tobacco is really earthy.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. It is delightful. I can see the attraction, but, no.

          Liked by 1 person

  45. […] Welcome to Thursday Doors, a weekly feature allowing door lovers to come together to admire and share their favorite door photos from around the world. Feel free to join in on the fun by creating your own Thursday Doors post each week and then sharing your link in the comments below, anytime between 12:01 am Thursday morning and Saturday noon (North American eastern time). You can join in here: https://nofacilities.com/2022/09/29/big-e-2022/ […]

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    1. That was a wonderful post, Robbie, and perfect timing on your part,. This is a great example of what I was talking about in response to the comment trolls. Thank you!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Hi Dan, I was a little worried about it when I read about the trolls, but I think a wider scope is more fun and creates interest in the posts. I’m glad you like it.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. I think so, too, Robbie. I love the creativity on display when people go into interesting places with the definition of “door.”

          Like

  46. […] who thinks they can cross the low water crossings. The gates I’m sharing today are the warning doors to all who have that mentality. For the record, I am not one who would risk it. Hope you will think […]

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  47. WHew! I’m relieved at the relevancy of doors you so graciously clarified. And always enjoy a fair to see exhibits. My favorite is quilts, naturally :) And to those unaware, door quilts are a thing. My next endeavor…….

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Door quilts are a thing, and they are a thing that is welcome here. As are gates and the photos you shared today, and banjo cartoons :-)

      Liked by 1 person

  48. It has been some time since I attended a fair. Thank you for the wonderful photos and the good memories they brought back, Dan
    Thank you for your kind explanation of the latitude we have to share the love for all manner of doors. Much appreciated.
    Love the barn/barn door and the horse paddock.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you for contributing some of those posts. Suzette. Your poetry is one of the wonderful things I love about Thursday Doors.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you Dan. Glad you enjoyed the shares. Much appreciated.

        Liked by 1 person

  49. I love all the colorful photos! It looks like a fun day for dad and daughter. :) Living overseas, I do miss the autumn fair atmosphere, but I really enjoyed imagining it again through your photos. Thank you, Dan, for being a wonderful host of Thursday Doors!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Brenda. The fair is a lot of fun.

      Like

  50. It’s interesting to learn that there is a festival/fair dedicated to New England. It seems so fun too! The only city I have really visited in New England is Boston, but I want to revisit the whole state, especially in autumn. It’s among my most favorite states in the US (based on what I have seen and read, because I believe I have seen less than 1% of what the USA has to offer).

    And I’m personally very thankful for how you allow several types of doors/gates/entrances/the metaphorical.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. There are six NE states, but they are pretty easy to see in a short time, unless you want to see a lot of Maine.

      I’m glad you like the format here. Thanks for participating.

      Like

      1. Oh I just realized I accidentally called New England a state instead of a region. Embarrassing mistake. Either way, I personally hope I can spend a longer time in NE so that I can properly enjoy it and I’m particularly interested in Maine for Acadia and Massachusetts for the small towns. But if I have limited vacation time (the usual), it’s quite reassuring to hear it will be easy to see in a short time.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Our daughter loves Acadia. It’s a wonderful park. It’s a long way up, but worth it.

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  51. […] There were doors for an additional post for Dan’s Thursday Doors Challenge […]

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      1. You’re welcome, Dan.

        Liked by 1 person

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