Lee Stevens, Executive Director of the IISA Museum, speaks at a press conference held in front of The Big E’s band organ on the grounds of the museum.

THE BIG E’S ICONIC BAND ORGAN FINDS NEW HOME AT SHOWMEN’S MUSEUM IN FLORIDA

Those that have attended The Big E since childhood will surely remember the pompous chime of the band organ, which called the fairgrounds home prior to the year 2000. This staple of Eastern States Exposition (ESE) was recently purchased by Lee Stevens of the International Independent Showmen’s Museum in Riverview, Fla. It was unveiled at the museum during a press conference on Tuesday, February 10, where it will now be on display.

Stevens has been involved with show business since 1970, when he was 15 years old.

“I was the bottom of the totem pole,” he said. “I was paid a small weekly sum to clean the elephant trailer and participate in sideshows in a traveling circus.”

He fell in love with show business and has ascended ranks and earned notoriety within the carnival industry. He is the executive director of the IISA Museum and two-time past president (2004-2005, 2020-2021) of the IISA, which boasts nearly 3,800 members. He is also two-time past president of the Greater Tampa Showmen’s Association and the first vice president of the Showfolks of Sarasota.

Stevens has lived in Florida for 50 years, and he has been a resident of Gibsonton, Fla., nearly as long. The lovingly nicknamed “Gibtown” is home and headquarters for most individuals and businesses in the outdoor amusement industry. This is why the IISA Museum found itself in neighboring Riverview. Stevens attributes his happiness here to the “welcoming community, likeminded people and the preservation of show business prioritized by local lawmakers.”

When Stevens first discovered that the Fair’s band organ needed renewed purpose, he approached ESE President and CEO Gene Cassidy and John “JJ” Juliano, co-founder of Mellowship Entertainment.

“This was a decision two years in the making,” Stevens explained. “I’m quite happy that I have it, but happier that I can share it with as many people as possible. I just had additional music digitized for it. Many collectors have gone this route because the paper in older machines is not practical for long-term use, and I intend to keep this one running for a long time to come, God willing.”

Stevens’s passion and the IISA Museum’s idyllic setting make Riverview a perfect host site for The Big E’s beloved band organ, all-new ESE exhibit and the announcement of Showmen’s Park, a memorial for those in the amusement business who have contributed to the Fair’s growth and success. The press conference debuting all three initiatives was well attended by industry executives and emceed by Cassidy, Juliano and ESE Director of Marketing and co-founder of Mellowship Entertainment, Anne-Alise Pietruska.

The museum is open to the public Thursday through Sunday from 12-5pm weekly. The ESE exhibit can be found on the facility’s second floor. Those interested in renting the band organ for their fairs and events are encouraged to contact Stevens via his email address, GoinApePro@aol.com.