WEST SPRINGfiELD, Mass.— Ed Dame of McHenry, Ill., was presented with a Host of the Day hospitality award at The Big E on Tuesday, September 29. Among those present for the presentation were North American Midway Entertainment (NAME) Vice President Blake Huston and his wife, Amy; Gary Magyoran and Justin Peperak, managerial staff with NAME; Midway ride operators and concessionaires from the NAME team; Eastern States Exposition (ESE) senior leadership; and ESE President and CEO Gene Cassidy, who presented Dame with his award before the Sky-High Super Wheel at The Big E in West Springfield, Mass.
The Host of the Day award recognizes employees, volunteers and other members of The Big E family who embody the Fair’s philosophy of positive customer relations. It has been part of the Exposition’s customer service program since 1989, established for individuals who go “above and beyond the call” in their interactions with fairgoers.
Ed Dame of McHenry, Ill., has served as a manager on The Big E Midway under the leadership of North American Midway Entertainment (NAME) President Danny Huston and Vice President Blake Huston since 2010.
“Ed represents the very best of our team through his enthusiasm, professionalism and commitment to creating a great experience for our guests,” said Blake. “This is all visible when watching him interact with the public. His actions make it evident that he loves his job and I appreciate his dedication to North American Midway Entertainment and The Big E.”
Ed has been a year-round employee of NAME since the company was founded 21 years ago, overseeing transportation and leading Guest Services teams as the company travels the fair circuit. He has a total of 25 years in the amusement industry under his belt. In addition to Blake, Ed works closely alongside Gary Magyoran and Justin Peperak to ensure that the Midway runs smoothly.
“It takes all of us, and we have a tremendous team,” said Dame. “I love working for the Hustons, and it means the world to me that they trust me and know that I will make choices with the company’s best interest in mind. We have a fun carnival, and the attitude among them is and always should be: if it needs to be done, we can fix it.” Dame plays an important role in supporting ESE and The Big E, managing Guest Services on the Midway and serving as a key liaison for Fairgoers throughout the Fair. Beyond Guest Services, Dame is always willing to lend a hand—whether helping Mike Pietruska put the finishing touches on the ESE Museum.
Opening Day or single-handedly coordinating Sammy L. Davis’s visit last Friday. He even recruited a sponsor, Shredding Hunger, to fund Sammy’s trip to help boost The Big E’s programming for America 250.
Recipients receive a Host of the Day award trophy, designed by beloved friend of the Fair Mike Pietruska, and a commemorative gift bag filled with swag from The Big E’s Official Merchandise Booth, brought to you by TSMGI, at the surprise presentation. All Hosts of the Day are asked to take part in The Big Parade at 6pm on the final day of the Fair, Sunday, October 4! Be sure to wave to them as they pass by on the trolley.
ESE is appreciative of Dame and his many efforts to ensure that The Big E operates smoothly and safely. Visit him and his top-rate team at the Midway, now through Oct. 4, when you get your Fair admission tickets at TheBigE.com.
