ESE EMPLOYEES, FREDDIE MARION AND STEPHEN MORRISSEY, NOMINATED FOR HOWDY AWARDS
Two Eastern States Exposition (ESE) employees are finalists for the Howdy Awards, the region’s recognition for excellence in hospitality. Freddie Marion is being considered for the “Entertainment” category, and Stephen Morrissey has been nominated for an award in “Transportation.” Voting for the Howdy People’s Choice award is now live on ExploreWesternMass.com, so be sure to support these friendly faces as you cast your ballot!
Explore Western Mass developed the Howdy Awards program to express gratitude to and shine a spotlight on individuals working in thankless, public-facing roles. Howdy Award recipients are the best of the best within the hospitality industry, surpassing all expectations within their career roles. The logic is simple; when visitors are treated well, they feel inclined to return to the region, which means more dollars go back to the local economy, maintaining jobs and supporting businesses big and small. ESE’s employees do this well during the organization’s more than 120 annual events, and Marion and Morrissey surpass the standard.
For two years, Freddie Marion, of Holyoke, Mass., has served as an emcee and entertainer at Storrowton Village Gazebo throughout The Big E’s 17-day runtime. In 2024, he was appointed as the Fair’s opening day Host of the Day, an in-house hospitality award for dedicated volunteers and employees that embody ESE’s mission.
Marion was nominated for his adaptability, as well as his devotion to and enthusiasm for the Fair. Anne-Alise Pietruska, co-owner of Mellowship Entertainment, works closely with Marion during The Big E. She noted that his “commitment to creating a positive experience for all attendees and performers” sets him apart as a nominee. He takes pride in his assignment and takes the time to educate himself about each act he introduces. He does not hesitate to provide entertainment in the event of any lulls or delays and facilitates kids’ games on the green with dynamism and at times even dressing as docents in Storrowton Village Museum.
“I was really surprised when I found out that I’m a finalist for the Howdy Awards here in Springfield,” said Marion in response to the news. “I want to thank those that nominated me. I look forward to our wonderful evening coming up at the end of April!”
Stephen “Steve” Morrissey, of Springfield, Mass., was also a Host of the Day during The Big E 2024, further affirming his place as Howdy Awards finalist. During the Fair and ESE’s off-season events, Morrissey is a year-round Operations employee. He directs traffic, parks vehicles, and, due to his nature, he is often spotted going above and beyond the role. This includes retrieving keys from locked cars, shuttling guests in carts, accommodating those with ADA accessibility limitations, finding a missing vehicle or reuniting lost guests with their friends and families—Morrissey never hesitates to lend a helping hand.
Morrissey’s supervisor, Steve Ferraro, director of Operations, said, “These guys have a tough job. They work through heat, cold, sleet, rain, mud, dust—the people outside wait to come in, and the first face they see is Steve’s. From moment one, I knew [he] would thrive in front and center as our patrons arrive at ESE’s gates.”
“I enjoy the people here—I wouldn’t have stayed otherwise!” Morrissey shared with a laugh.
ESE is proud to have such standout individuals in its employ, and the team looks forward to supporting their nominees at the Howdy Awards Gala.