# LLMs-Full.txt - Full Content for Project Pages # Generated on: 2026-06-03T18:46:35.492Z # Total pages: 27 --- ## URL: https://www.barnumfestival.org/events ### Title: Events ### Page ID: 6625897 ### Content: Step into a world of wonder and excitement at the Barnum Festival, where an array of captivating events awaits! From the Car Show and Food Truck Festival to Barnum Sails the Sound there's something to enchant every visitor. Watch in awe as bands march in perfect harmony during the Champions on Parade, or experience the thrill of the Great Street Parade. Indulge in the rich flavors at the Grand Marshal Dinner and feel the magic at the King and Queen's Coronation Ball. Don't miss iconic experiences like the Barnum Bash: Dueling Pianos and the nostalgic Tom Thumb and Lavinia Warren Competition. Whether you're here for the fireworks, a lively golf tournament, or simply to enjoy the vibrant community spirit, the Barnum Festival promises an unforgettable adventure filled with joy and laughter. Join us to celebrate creativity, culture, and community like never before! - [Home](/) - [About Barnum](/about-barnum) - [Events](/events) - [Volunteer](/volunteer) - [Contact](/contact) - [Home](/) - [About Barnum](/about-barnum) - [Events](/events) - [Volunteer](/volunteer) - [Contact](/contact) --- ## URL: https://www.barnumfestival.org/barnums-celtic-cabaret ### Title: Barnum's Celtic Cabaret ### Page ID: 6625993 ### Content: **Join us for an evening of music and dancing with Keltic Kick!** - [Home](/) - [About Barnum](/about-barnum) - [Events](/events) - [Volunteer](/volunteer) - [Contact](/contact) - [Home](/) - [About Barnum](/about-barnum) - [Events](/events) - [Volunteer](/volunteer) - [Contact](/contact) --- ## URL: https://www.barnumfestival.org/ncaa-cigar-night ### Title: NCAA Cigar Night ### Page ID: 6626079 ### Content: ## 17th Annual Cigar Night ## ft. The NCAA Final Four **Tickets:** $125 per person | $100 for First Responders - [Home](/) - [About Barnum](/about-barnum) - [Events](/events) - [Volunteer](/volunteer) - [Contact](/contact) - [Home](/) - [About Barnum](/about-barnum) - [Events](/events) - [Volunteer](/volunteer) - [Contact](/contact) --- ## URL: https://www.barnumfestival.org/senior-dance ### Title: Senior Dance ### Page ID: 6626086 ### Content: - [Home](/) - [About Barnum](/about-barnum) - [Events](/events) - [Volunteer](/volunteer) - [Contact](/contact) - [Home](/) - [About Barnum](/about-barnum) - [Events](/events) - [Volunteer](/volunteer) - [Contact](/contact) --- ## URL: https://www.barnumfestival.org/golf-tournament ### Title: Golf Tournament ### Page ID: 6677986 ### Content: - [Home](/) - [About Barnum](/about-barnum) - [Events](/events) - [Volunteer](/volunteer) - [Contact](/contact) - [Home](/) - [About Barnum](/about-barnum) - [Events](/events) - [Volunteer](/volunteer) - [Contact](/contact) --- ## URL: https://www.barnumfestival.org/home ### Title: Home ### Page ID: 6625730 ### Content: # About: # Meet 2026 Barnum Festival Ringmaster ## Tom McCarthy # Stay Tuned for Upcoming Events! # Our Board Members # Festival Officers # Former Ringmasters # Latest News ***The annual Barnum Festival is a seasonal celebration of the Greater Bridgeport Area and surrounding towns and its tight-knit community. Dating back to 1948, the festival originated to help support local businesses and honor P.T. Barnum—a world-renowned showman and city leader. The Barnum Festival spans several weeks in an effort to build community spirit, enrich the lives of Bridgeport residents, and give back, culminating in a weekend-long Barnum Palooza that hosts parades, concerts, fireworks, and other family-friendly events.*** - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Barnum](/about-barnum "About Barnum") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Volunteer](/volunteer "Volunteer") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Barnum](/about-barnum "About Barnum") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Volunteer](/volunteer "Volunteer") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") --- ## URL: https://www.barnumfestival.org/blog ### Title: Blog ### Page ID: 6625731 ### Content: - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Barnum](/about-barnum "About Barnum") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Volunteer](/volunteer "Volunteer") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Barnum](/about-barnum "About Barnum") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Volunteer](/volunteer "Volunteer") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") --- ## URL: https://www.barnumfestival.org/protected-collection-item ### Title: Protected Page ### Page ID: 6625736 ### Content: In order to view the page, please enter the password below: - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Barnum](/about-barnum "About Barnum") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Volunteer](/volunteer "Volunteer") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Barnum](/about-barnum "About Barnum") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Volunteer](/volunteer "Volunteer") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") --- ## URL: https://www.barnumfestival.org/reset-password-page ### Title: Reset password page ### Page ID: 6625737 ### Content: - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Barnum](/about-barnum "About Barnum") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Volunteer](/volunteer "Volunteer") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Barnum](/about-barnum "About Barnum") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Volunteer](/volunteer "Volunteer") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") --- ## URL: https://www.barnumfestival.org/about-barnum ### Title: About Barnum ### Page ID: 6625896 ### Content: # **About the** # **Barnum Festival** ***The annual Barnum Festival is a seasonal celebration of the City of Bridgeport and its surrounding towns, including Monroe, Trumbull, Easton, Shelton, Stratford, and Fairfield. Dating back to 1948, the festival originated to help support local businesses and honor P.T. Barnum—a world-renowned showman and city leader. The Barnum Festival events span from late spring to early summer each year in an effort to build community spirit, foster philanthropy, and celebrate the many diverse cultures represented by residents. The festival culminates in a weekend-long Barnum Palooza that hosts parades, concerts, fireworks, and other family-friendly festivities.*** The annual Barnum Festival is a seasonal celebration of the City of Bridgeport and its surrounding towns, including Monroe, Trumbull, Easton, Shelton, Stratford, and Fairfield. Dating back to 1948, the festival originated to help support local businesses and honor P.T. Barnum—a world-renowned showman and city leader. The Barnum Festival events span from late spring to early summer each year in an effort to build community spirit, foster philanthropy, and celebrate the many diverse cultures represented by residents. The festival culminates in a weekend-long Barnum Palooza that hosts parades, concerts, fireworks, and other family-friendly festivities. Above all else, P.T. Barnum was an entertainer—he celebrated hoaxes and founded both the Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus. In a nod to him, and in true Barnum tradition, a Ringmaster is appointed each year to head the Barnum Festival and help promote the Greater Bridgeport region. The festival celebrates many of Barnum’s imaginative concepts for entertaining the populace. The Wing Ding Parade for kids at Beardsley Zoo, concerts and musical competitions in the spirit of Jenny Lind, and the concluding event, a grand civic parade celebrating all of the wonderful assets the City of Bridgeport and surrounding area have to offer, are created to delight attendees of all ages. With a strong focus on philanthropy, the Barnum Festival also strives to create economic development and education by driving visitors, developing entrepreneurs and civic leaders, and engaging the community’s youth and families. ***The Barnum Festival is a 501(c)3 nonprofit recognized by the IRS and accepts donations, both monetary and in-kind. The Festival produces arts, cultural and entertainment events for the benefit of the community at large.*** - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Barnum](/about-barnum "About Barnum") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Volunteer](/volunteer "Volunteer") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Barnum](/about-barnum "About Barnum") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Volunteer](/volunteer "Volunteer") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") --- ## URL: https://www.barnumfestival.org/volunteer ### Title: Volunteer ### Page ID: 6625898 ### Content: # Become a Volunteer The success of the Barnum Festival each year is in large thanks to the hundreds of dedicated, community-minded volunteers who help greet visitors, staff events, and ensure that the festivities are safely enjoyed by all. We’d love to have you as a part of this year’s Barnum Festival! We accept volunteers over the age of 15, with those younger than 18 requiring a signed waiver by a parent or legal guardian. Volunteers must be at least 15 years of age. Anyone under 18 years of age must have parental permission and have a Barnum Festival waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or have any questions, please fill out the form below. - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Barnum](/about-barnum "About Barnum") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Volunteer](/volunteer "Volunteer") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Barnum](/about-barnum "About Barnum") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Volunteer](/volunteer "Volunteer") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") --- ## URL: https://www.barnumfestival.org/contact ### Title: Contact ### Page ID: 6625899 ### Content: ## Contact - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Barnum](/about-barnum "About Barnum") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Volunteer](/volunteer "Volunteer") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Barnum](/about-barnum "About Barnum") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Volunteer](/volunteer "Volunteer") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") --- ## URL: https://www.barnumfestival.org/barnum-sails-the-sound ### Title: Barnum Sails the Sound ### Page ID: 6625936 ### Content: - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Barnum](/about-barnum "About Barnum") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Volunteer](/volunteer "Volunteer") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Barnum](/about-barnum "About Barnum") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Volunteer](/volunteer "Volunteer") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") --- ## URL: https://www.barnumfestival.org/barnum-bash ### Title: Barnum Bash ### Page ID: 6625945 ### Content: - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Barnum](/about-barnum "About Barnum") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Volunteer](/volunteer "Volunteer") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Barnum](/about-barnum "About Barnum") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Volunteer](/volunteer "Volunteer") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") --- ## URL: https://www.barnumfestival.org/car-show-food-truck-festival ### Title: Car Show Food Truck Festival ### Page ID: 6625946 ### Content: - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Barnum](/about-barnum "About Barnum") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Volunteer](/volunteer "Volunteer") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Barnum](/about-barnum "About Barnum") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Volunteer](/volunteer "Volunteer") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") --- ## URL: https://www.barnumfestival.org/champions-on-parade ### Title: Champions on Parade ### Page ID: 6625947 ### Content: - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Barnum](/about-barnum "About Barnum") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Volunteer](/volunteer "Volunteer") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Barnum](/about-barnum "About Barnum") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Volunteer](/volunteer "Volunteer") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") --- ## URL: https://www.barnumfestival.org/cornhole-tournament ### Title: Cornhole Tournament ### Page ID: 6625948 ### Content: Grab a friend, form a team (two people per team!) and come join us for this fun filled evening of community and friendly competition. Grand Prize is tickets from our sponsor, Avelo Air! - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Barnum](/about-barnum "About Barnum") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Volunteer](/volunteer "Volunteer") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Barnum](/about-barnum "About Barnum") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Volunteer](/volunteer "Volunteer") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") --- ## URL: https://www.barnumfestival.org/fireworks ### Title: Fireworks ### Page ID: 6625978 ### Content: - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Barnum](/about-barnum "About Barnum") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Volunteer](/volunteer "Volunteer") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Barnum](/about-barnum "About Barnum") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Volunteer](/volunteer "Volunteer") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") --- ## URL: https://www.barnumfestival.org/king-and-queens-coronation ### Title: King and Queen's Coronation ### Page ID: 6626028 ### Content: - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Barnum](/about-barnum "About Barnum") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Volunteer](/volunteer "Volunteer") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Barnum](/about-barnum "About Barnum") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Volunteer](/volunteer "Volunteer") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") --- ## URL: https://www.barnumfestival.org/latin-night-barnum-bomba ### Title: Latin Night Barnum Bomba ### Page ID: 6626029 ### Content: - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Barnum](/about-barnum "About Barnum") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Volunteer](/volunteer "Volunteer") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Barnum](/about-barnum "About Barnum") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Volunteer](/volunteer "Volunteer") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") --- ## URL: https://www.barnumfestival.org/meet-the-ringmaster ### Title: Meet the Ringmaster ### Page ID: 6626031 ### Content: Join us for an enjoyable evening with Ringmaster Tom McCarthy at Vazzy's Four Seasons for their Famous Pasta Night! - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Barnum](/about-barnum "About Barnum") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Volunteer](/volunteer "Volunteer") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Barnum](/about-barnum "About Barnum") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Volunteer](/volunteer "Volunteer") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") --- ## URL: https://www.barnumfestival.org/ringmaster-ball ### Title: Ringmaster Ball ### Page ID: 6626084 ### Content: - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Barnum](/about-barnum "About Barnum") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Volunteer](/volunteer "Volunteer") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Barnum](/about-barnum "About Barnum") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Volunteer](/volunteer "Volunteer") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") --- ## URL: https://www.barnumfestival.org/great-street-parade ### Title: The Great Street Parade ### Page ID: 6626085 ### Content: Join us for a time honored Barnum Festival Tradition, The Great Street Parade! Check back for more information. - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Barnum](/about-barnum "About Barnum") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Volunteer](/volunteer "Volunteer") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Barnum](/about-barnum "About Barnum") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Volunteer](/volunteer "Volunteer") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") --- ## URL: https://www.barnumfestival.org/tom-thumb-and-lavinia-warren-competition ### Title: Tom Thumb and Lavinia Warren Competition ### Page ID: 6626100 ### Content: - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Barnum](/about-barnum "About Barnum") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Volunteer](/volunteer "Volunteer") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Barnum](/about-barnum "About Barnum") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Volunteer](/volunteer "Volunteer") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") --- ## URL: https://www.barnumfestival.org/whip-whistle-and-watch ### Title: Whip Whistle and Watch ### Page ID: 6626101 ### Content: # Celebrate Tradition at Barnum Festival’s Whip, Whistle & Watch! Join us for a **beloved Barnum Festival tradition** at **Whip, Whistle & Watch** on **May 15, 2026**. This annual event honors the **2026 Ringmaster, Tom McCarthy**, while bringing together the community for an afternoon of celebration. - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Barnum](/about-barnum "About Barnum") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Volunteer](/volunteer "Volunteer") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Barnum](/about-barnum "About Barnum") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Volunteer](/volunteer "Volunteer") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") --- ## URL: https://www.barnumfestival.org/wing-ding ### Title: Wing Ding ### Page ID: 6626102 ### Content: - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Barnum](/about-barnum "About Barnum") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Volunteer](/volunteer "Volunteer") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Barnum](/about-barnum "About Barnum") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Volunteer](/volunteer "Volunteer") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") --- ## URL: https://www.barnumfestival.org/bingo-for-barnum ### Title: Bingo For Barnum ### Page ID: 6839569 ### Content: ## Bingo for Barnum ## April 22, 2026 - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Barnum](/about-barnum "About Barnum") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Volunteer](/volunteer "Volunteer") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Barnum](/about-barnum "About Barnum") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Volunteer](/volunteer "Volunteer") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") --- ## URL: https://www.barnumfestival.org/gregory-gnandt ### Title: Gregory Gnandt Named 75th Ringmaster of the 2025 Barnum Festival, Continuing a Legacy of Tradition and Community ### Page ID: 6877039 ### Content: Gregory Gnandt Named 75th Ringmaster of the 2025 Barnum Festival, Continuing a Legacy of Tradition and Community Gregory J. Gnandt, 55, a philanthropist from Trumbull, fondly recalls how the Barnum Festival had become an annual tradition for his family. “We never missed a parade or the fireworks growing up,” he said. “My uncle would camp out and save seats for the family. It was always a part of our lives. I just always liked the community factor, family and friends, you always saw people you knew. It was always a happy, festive event --- just overall a great feeling.” “We were always excited to see the schedule and who the ringmaster would be,” Gnandt continued. “Probably in the mid-90s, I remember discussing the Barnum Festival with a friend and how I always said how great it would be to be successful enough to be chosen as the ringmaster.” That dream has now become a reality. Gnandt, revived the annual car show fundraiser with his wife Peggi, into a much-anticipated annual event with concerts, food trucks, vendors and a carnival, at Z-Topia in the Stevenson section of Monroe, has been chosen to serve as ringmaster of the 2025 Barnum Festival. He will be the 75th ringmaster in the festival’s 77th year. “It’s exciting. My family has a lot of history with the festival, being from Bridgeport,” said Gnandt, who grew up in Fairfield, Trumbull and Bridgeport. He attended St. Ann Academy in Bridgeport before graduating from Trumbull High School as a member of the Class of ’87. Gnandt is a general contractor with his own business, Greg’s Carpentry, Building & Remodeling LLC, established in 1988. He and Peggi, his wife of seven years, both serve on the festival’s board of directors. Gnandt has a daughter Marisa, 28, as well as a two-year-old-grandson, whom reside in North Carolina. Gnandt has spent a lifetime giving back to his community. “I’ve been working with charities most of my adult life,” he said. “Peggi and I are good organizers and people regularly invite us to assist with their tasks, and we do as much as we can. We always had the family values of helping others.” It was Gnandt who led the effort to establish the first memorial in the aftermath of the horrific Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting on December 14, 2012. “The night of the tragedy, I dreamt up this memorial,” he recalled. “There’s a three-dimensional star formed out of copper placed on the roof of the firehouse with the names of each child and teacher who lost their lives that day.” Twenty-six, five-point polished copper stars covered with a clear coat on display on the Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire Department roof were fabricated in Gnandt’s carpentry shop. His cousin, Sandy Hook Fire Chief Anthony Capozziello, who was assistant fire chief at the time, had agreed to help Gnandt make the memorial a reality. Bill Halstead, who was the chief, had also supported the project. “Someone on the news said, ‘there’s 26 new stars tonight,’” Gnandt recalled. “With help from the families and volunteers, we made it happen.” Gnandt also joined others in organizing the Green Ribbon Ride, a motorcycle ride to honor the Sandy Hook families. It went through Shelton and Newtown before ending in Trumbull. “Well over 3,000 motorcycles were in the procession,” he recalled. “We did it as a one-time event. It was too emotional to continue. It was better as a one-time fundraiser and all of the proceeds went to the families, instead of towards funds.” Another fundraising effort close to the Gnandt’s’ hearts is the annual St. Vincent’s Swim Across the Sound. “We’ve done many years of fundraising for Swim Across the Sound,” he said, “Peggi, myself and other family members, create events that raise money for the organization.” Gnandt is a Free Mason and a Shriner of over 20 years with Pyramid Shriners in Stratford. “Every year the ringmaster picks a theme, or focus, and ours this year is going to be tradition and children’s charities,” he said, adding of the Shriners, “we have a children’s hospital. We sponsor and finance the burn units for children with deformities and orthopedics and prosthetics.” Over the course of his five years on the Barnum Festival’s board of directors, one of Gnandt’s biggest accomplishments was bringing back the car show after the COVID-19 pandemic. “We had a focus group meeting to reimagine the festival post Covid,” he said. “We decided to chair the car show and bring it back.” George Zwally, a longtime friend and business associate of Gnandt’s, offered to host the car show on his Z-Topia property, 1545 Monroe Turnpike in Monroe. The Barnum Car Show and Concert has shopping booths, food trucks and a beer and wine garden. “It’s gotten bigger and better every year,” Gnandt said. “It is definitely one of the flagship events of the festival.” Gnandt’s wife, Peggi, helps him organize the car show and the Jam at the Dam, a country music concert at the Monroe venue. She will be an asset when he serves as ringmaster. “She’s my secret weapon,” Gnandt said. “She’s so organized, imaginative and creative with her ideas.” Frank Gennarini, who had the distinction of serving as ringmaster of the Barnum Festival three times due to the pandemic, had asked the Gnandt’s to join the board of directors years ago. Sadly, he had become ill and passed away on June 22, but not before orchestrating the Barnum Golf Tournament to be held at Blackhawk Country Club in Stratford on Monday, Sept. 16 … and Gnandt’s nomination as the next ringmaster. “He was an incredible mentor and friend,” Gnandt said of Gennarini. “He celebrated life every day, until the end. In your life you meet a lot of people. He was just one of the special ones, who came through.” He remembers visiting Gennarini when he was on home hospice on one visit, Gennarini told Gnandt he wanted him to be the next ringmaster and had put his name forward for consideration by the Nominating Committee. Gnandt said he was honored. “After that, I was asked into a meeting with other past ringmasters to discuss the task and, basically make sure that I was ready,” Gnandt said of the role, which has ceremonial duties, along with promotion, organization and fundraising for the festival. Gnandt’s parents did not live long enough to see their son become ringmaster. “My parents loved the festival. They would be very proud and excited,” he said. “Everyone that does know is excited, supportive and interested in being involved in our year.” “I’m honored to receive this prestigious position,” Gnandt said. “Having worked with the festival for the past five years, my wife Peggi and I are ready for this coming year’s events. We have an exciting year planned. We’re going to continue the full schedule of traditional events, as well as add some new events to the schedule. See you as we keep the tradition alive in 2025.” *The Tradition is Still Alive in 2025. Visit* *barnumfestival.org* *for a schedule of future events, including Meet the Ringmaster at Vazzy’s Four Seasons on Nov. 19 for its famous pasta night and more.* - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Barnum](/about-barnum "About Barnum") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Volunteer](/volunteer "Volunteer") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Barnum](/about-barnum "About Barnum") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Volunteer](/volunteer "Volunteer") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") --- ## URL: https://www.barnumfestival.org/williams-gennarini-berger-three-resilient-ringmasters ### Title: Williams Gennarini Berger Three Resilient Ringmasters ### Page ID: 6877040 ### Content: Williams Gennarini Berger Three Resilient Ringmasters The Barnum Festival family lost three legends in 2024, Kaye Williams, Frank Gennarini and Len Berger. “Lost” is a relative word because their contributions endure and can never be taken away. Kaye Williams was a kid from the West End of Bridgeport who made his own way and made his own mark, a lobsterman by trade who endured along the sea. He was the captain at sea but not the typical captain of industry. He was one-of-a-kind: his attire resplendent largely in sun-splashed shorts, a pullover, hammer in hand and a pocket full of nails. He’d often show up to a suit-and-tie business community event dressed that way. “They’re in their work clothes,” he’d say, “I’m in mine. When Mr. Barnum came calling with an offer to serve as ringmaster in 1990 he was all in for the top hat and red-attired regalia. Kaye’s tenure under the big top was indeed a study in resilience. New England’s economy had hit the rocks. Numerous banks, construction companies and various institutional concerns relied upon to fund the annual salute to Mr. Barnum shut down. The signature event – The Great Street Parade – had to be scrapped for the first time. Sometimes something must go away for a while to come back to life. As a result of Kaye’s leadership, the parade returned the next year. Ten years prior he was approached by the mayor to transform a neglected city-owned marina surrounded by a sewage treatment plant, municipal dump and troubled housing project. The mayor tells you okay, take this thing over, turn it around, but don’t expect any help from us. Good luck. Kaye transformed it into a jewel we know today as Captain’s Cove Seaport: The boardwalks, bobbing boats, shops, restaurant, bar, hospitality and yes, just a nice place to escape for an hour or two. The thing about Kaye that made him such an intriguing personality was the way he looked at life. Most of us view life from land out to the water. Kaye saw things from the perspective of water toward land. Kaye was preparing his flagship draw the British frigate HMS Rose, a replica of the Revolutionary War Ship that forged creation of the U.S. Navy, for a tour of the world. “The water that laps here also laps in Rotterdam,” he said, and thus launched a Rose tour of the world.  In summer of 2019, Frank Gennarini heard from Mr. Barnum. For more than 20 years Frank served as a volunteer for the Great Street Parade, grand marshal, chairman of the car show, organizer of the fireworks, a judge for many events. Frank donned red socks, red shoes and the signature red blazer when named ringmaster of the 2020 Barnum Festival.  “This is a tremendous honor,” Frank declared on the steps of the Aquarion company in Downtown Bridgeport, numerous festival family members attending. “The festival has always played a special part in my life. Living on Charles Street in Bridgeport as a child, I remember watching the Goodyear blimp promoting the events of the festival. I plan to continue this great tradition that has brought so much fun and good will to the greater Bridgeport region.” The vice president of Bridgeport-based D’Addario Industries chose the theme “20/20–A Vision for the Future.” “I was bitten by the ‘Barnum bug’ a long time ago because I’ve seen the fun and community spirit it creates. We’re going to build on that in 2020.” Something happened along the way no one could predict: a health emergency infected the world, the Covid virus clawed at so many things taken for granted: businesses shut down, people confined to their homes, out of work with no pay. Frank persevered with patience and pragmatism. The entire Barnum Festival was placed on hold for 2020, scaled back in 2021 and then returned in full glory in 2022. Frank became the longest-serving Ringmaster in history, three consecutive years. Len Berger was another ringmaster whose Bridgeport roots paid dividends to festival service and dedication. The 2003 ringmaster passed away in December.  Born in Bridgeport, Len attended Warren Harding High School and graduated from the University of Bridgeport earning a bachelor’s degree in business.  He also achieved a degree in retail banking management from the University of Virginia in 1986. Banking would be Len’s professional calling. In 1964 he began a celebrated 39-year career with Fleet Bank and its predecessors, Shamut and Connecticut National Bank, where he was eventually elevated to vice president and senior business development officer serving all branches in Bridgeport, Danbury, New Haven and Norwalk. His commitment to community service included Valley United Way, Hewitt Foundation, the Monroe Lion’s Club, Shelton Economic Development Corp., Housatonic Community College Foundation, and St. Vincent’s College. In addition, Len served actively as a board member and president of the P.T. Barnum Foundation prior to selection in 2003 as the 54th ringmaster. A dedicated husband and father, he loved fishing, camping, hiking that took him to Cape Cod, Berkshire mountains, Lake Ontario and the state of California, Len leaves behind his wife Lorna and their loving children: Douglas Berger and his wife Mayra of San Diego, CA., Michelle Ross Gonzalez of Shelton, and Todd Berger of West Haven. Len will be profoundly missed by his 11 grandchildren: Jake Berger, Jackson Berger, Cason Berger, Andy Berger, Ryan Berger, Colin Berger, Owen Ross, Evan Ross, Zachary Gonzalez, Jesse Croucier and Jeremy Croucier. Services for Len will take place in February at a date to be announced by Spadaccino & Leo P. Gallagher & Son Community Funeral Home, 315 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe, CT. Funeral will be celebrated at Huntington United Methodist Church, 338 Walnut Tree Hill Rd, Shelton, CT. - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Barnum](/about-barnum "About Barnum") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Volunteer](/volunteer "Volunteer") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Barnum](/about-barnum "About Barnum") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Volunteer](/volunteer "Volunteer") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") --- ## URL: https://www.barnumfestival.org/community-health-fair ### Title: Community Health Fair ### Page ID: 7003750 ### Content: - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Barnum](/about-barnum "About Barnum") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Volunteer](/volunteer "Volunteer") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Barnum](/about-barnum "About Barnum") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Volunteer](/volunteer "Volunteer") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") --- ## URL: https://www.barnumfestival.org/tom-mccarthy-named-76th-ringmaster-of-the-2026-barnum-festival ### Title: Tom McCarthy Named 76th Ringmaster of the 2026 Barnum Festival ### Page ID: 7798445 ### Content: Tom McCarthy Named 76th Ringmaster of the 2026 Barnum Festival Growing up in his family’s East Eaton Street, Bridgeport home, the excitement of the yearly Barnum Festival celebrations played a significant role for the McCarthy family. In the weeks leading up to the parade, Tom McCarthy, his mother, Catherine, and late father Eamonn, along with siblings, Mary, Sean and Michael, eagerly awaited the family gathering planned in conjunction with the most anticipated Festival event — the Great Street Parade. “I remember the excitement in the air every summer as the Barnum Festival kicked off,” Tom said. “On parade day our entire family, friends and neighbors would gather to watch the parade on our ‘corner’ as it made its way down Park Avenue chock full of floats, marching bands, dignitaries and pageantry. It was a festive atmosphere and everyone enjoyed the post-parade picnic at our house. “To me, it defined and framed all the things that make Bridgeport and the region so special — that sense of community, camaraderie and pride in the Park City.  “I was thrilled and a bit awed when the nominating committee approached me about serving as the Festival’s 2026 Ringmaster. It’s a huge responsibility, but I am so excited to carry on this great tradition and take on this role held by so many men and women before me. My family is over-the-moon excited for me, and they are looking forward to celebrating with me and the entire Barnum Festival organization.” Founded by several prominent business leaders to lift the community’s spirits after the end of World War II, the Festival celebrates its 78th year in 2026. Dedicated to the life and times of the city’s most famous resident, P.T. Barnum, the Festival focuses on building community, fostering philanthropy and celebrating the many diverse cultures of the city and the region through a series of events held throughout May and June in Shelton, Fairfield, Monroe, and culminating in the Great Street Parade celebration weekend in Bridgeport.  This isn’t the first time Tom has helmed a large-scale community event. In 2017, he was selected as the Grand Marshal of the Greater Bridgeport St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Celebration. Given his family’s deep Irish roots — his father Eamonn was born in Ireland — can we expect any special touches reflecting his Gaelic heritage in this year’s festival? “My Irish heritage is particularly important to me, so we are working on an Irish event to add in this coming year’s schedule.” Tom’s dedication to and love for the city where he lives is exemplified by his long record of both volunteer and municipal service to the Park City.  For 17 years, he represented the 133rd district on the Bridgeport City Council, 10 of those years as City Council President. A Notre Dame High School graduate, he received his bachelor’s degree from Fairfield University and his law degree from Case Western Reserve University’s Law School. Upon graduation, he returned to Bridgeport and was hired as deputy director of Labor Relations for the City of Bridgeport. He then served as the city of New Haven’s Director of Labor Relations for three years. For the past five years, he has been the town of Trumbull’s Director of Human Resources and Labor Relations.  He also was a member of the boards of the Barnum Museum and until recently, the United Way of Coastal and Western Connecticut. He also is a longtime member of the Greater Bridgeport St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee and serves as Treasurer of the Barnum Festival Board of Directors. “Bridgeport has been my lifelong home. I look forward to leading the 2026 Barnum Festival and continuing the great tradition of shining a light on what is great about my hometown and the region and encouraging everyone to enjoy it too.” - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Barnum](/about-barnum "About Barnum") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Volunteer](/volunteer "Volunteer") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Barnum](/about-barnum "About Barnum") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Volunteer](/volunteer "Volunteer") - [Contact](/contact "Contact")