Barnum Festival Offers Many Adult and Kid Friendly Events in June

The Barnum Festival officially kicked off in May when over 235 business and community leaders attended The Whip, Whistle & Watch Luncheon at the Bridgeport Holiday Inn & Conference Center.

This major event served as a salute to the 71st Ringmaster of The Barnum Festival, Martin D. Schwartz of Fairfield, the retired President and CEO of The Kennedy Center and a long-time community leader and advocate.

Area dignitaries who presented Schwartz with the symbols of his office included: Cindi Bigelow, President and CEO of Bigelow Tea, gave the whistle; Michele Macauda, retired from AT&T as the Senior Vice President, Business & Network Solutions IT, handed over the whip; and Bridgeport Mayor Joseph P. Ganim turned over P.T. Barnum’s watch.

In addition, Rabbi James Prosnit of Congregation B’nai Israel in Bridgeport gave the invocation.

During the luncheon, Robert D. Scinto, Chairman of R.D. Scinto, a leader in Connecticut corporate real estate, was announced as the Grand Parade Marshal of the Great Street Parade, which will take place on Sunday, June 30.

Royal Family scholarships also were presented by the Ernest and Joan Trefz Foundation. Six students were selected from among 30 high school juniors selected by their schools on the basis of their academic achievement. Candidates must be in the top 20 percent of their junior class and demonstrate significant extracurricular and volunteer activities. The 2019 King and Queen received $2,500 scholarships, while the Prince and Princess were given $1,500 scholarships.

Tomas Montilla of Bridgeport, a student at Bullard-Havens Technical High School is serving as the King, and Mari Andrzejewski of Trumbull, a student at St. Joseph High School, is the Queen.

The two Princes named were: Evan Small of Fairfield, a student at Fairfield Prep, and Lucas Gelmetti of Trumbull, a student at Notre Dame High School, who previously was chosen as Tom Thumb of the Barnum Festival in 2011.

Likewise, the two Princesses are: Caron Kim of West Haven, a student at Lauralton Hall, and Alessandra Zaffina of Trumbull, a student at Trumbull High School.

Serving as the youngest members of the Royal Family are Isbella Roman of Bridgeport, age 9, a student at Barnum School as Lavinia Warren and Nathan Horne of Stratford, 10, a student at Chapel Street School as Tom Thumb. The two were chosen from a field of 40 third and fourth graders in the Greater Bridgeport area. Tom Thumb and Lavinia Warren were part of original P.T. Barnum’s Road Show.

Horne’s family have been big supporters of the Barnum Festival. For the past decade, they have been parade winners at the Wing Ding Parade for children. In addition, Nathan’s two older sisters were Lavinia Warren contestants.

This year’s theme for the Barnum Festival, one of the region’s best-loved annual traditions, is “Everyone Counts,” which aligns with PT Barnum’s legacy to bring fun and laughter to everyone. In fact, part of the proceeds will be donated to support special needs children in the community.

“As Ringmaster of the Barnum Festival, I have an opportunity to give back to the community in a big way,” said Schwartz. “I am truly honored to lead this major state festival and have introduced several new and exciting events. In March, The Discovery Museum hosted and sponsored ‘A Special Day for Special Needs.’ This free, first-time event was extremely successful and attracted over 420 participants.”

In addition, on Saturday, June 8, the Wing Ding Parade for children will take place at the Beardsley Zoo with registration starting at 9 a.m. and the parade kicking off at 11 a.m. Due to the generosity of Bannow Larson Foundation, there will be free admission to the Zoo.

Also, reserve your tickets now for the Ringmaster’s Ball at Vazzano’s Four Seasons, Stratford, from 6 to 11 p.m. on Saturday, June 22. This elegant evening features a cocktail hour, seated dinner, and dancing to music provided by Cracked Ice. Tickets are $175 per person.

“Barnum: An American Musical,” a new event, will be performed at the Fairfield Museum. Musical pays tribute and celebrates the life of P.T. Barnum. Javier Colon will be the lead in this production along with an amazing cast of 50 actors and actresses. Javier was the winner of the inaugural season of The Voice on NBC. In addition, stand-up comedian and actress Lisa Lampanelli, will have a cameo appearance. Both stars grew up in Fairfield County.

Opening night gala reception on June 27 starts at 6 p.m. with dinner and a cocktail party, live and silent auction items, plus 8 p.m. show at $125 per person.

Free admission for June 28 show at 7:30 p.m. and June 29 shows at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. First come, first serve for free performances. VIP seating also available for June 28 and 29 shows at $50 per person.

The Barnum Festival depends on the generosity of over 200 volunteers plus over 30 business sponsors. Legacy sponsors include: Aquarion, IBEW Local Union #488, Bridgeport & Port Jefferson Steamboat Company, People’s United Bank and Elizabeth M. Pfriem.

About the Barnum Festival

The Barnum Festival is a celebration of the City of Bridgeport and the surrounding area that was organized in 1948 to help support local businesses and honor P.T. Barnum—a world-renowned showman and city leader. The first Festival was held in 1949.

The Barnum Festival events focus on building community spirit, fostering philanthropy, and celebrating the diverse cultures represented by residents. The festival culminates in a weekend-long Barnum Palooza that hosts parades, plays, fireworks, and other family-friendly festivities.

Visit www./barnumfestival.com for a full event schedule or call 203-367-8495.