Vincent Albarado aimed his cellphone camera as he stood between a Ferris wheel and a colorful carousel.
Snapping shot after shot, the Orlando resident marveled at the collection of old rides, photos and posters that fill the International Independent Showmen’s Museum, at 6938 Riverview Drive, just north of the Alafia River and Gibsonton, the longtime winter home of carnival and circus workers.
“I went on Groupon and saw this was one of the top 20 things to do in Tampa Bay,” Albarado said. “I never knew this existed, and I thought it would be interesting.
“I’m originally from Hawaii, and my family is coming to visit next year, so I’m definitely going to bring them here. It’s like an unusual gem with all this great American history. It’s amazing.”
The nearly 55,000-square-foot museum opened in 2013.