Bridgeport, CT - Join the 2019 Ringmaster and the royal family as the local business community salutes the Barnum Festival. The Whip, Whistle & Watch Luncheon is recognized as the official kick off of the festival’s many events. The event is sponsored in part by Newtown Savings Bank and will take place on Friday, May 17 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Bridgeport Holiday Inn & Conference Center, 1070 Main Street, Bridgeport.
The 71st Ringmaster of The Barnum Festival is Martin D. Schwartz of Fairfield, the retired President and CEO of The Kennedy Center and a long-time community leader and advocate.
Several hundred business and community leaders are expected. Area dignitaries who will be presenting Schwartz with the symbols of his office include: Cindi Bigelow, President and CEO of Bigelow Tea, will provide the whistle; Michele Macauda, retired from AT&T as the Senior Vice President, Business & Network Solutions IT, will give the whip; and Bridgeport Mayor Joseph P. Ganim will turn over P.T. Barnum’s watch.
In addition, Rabbi James Prosnit of Congregation B’nai Israel in Bridgeport will give the invocation.
During the luncheon, Robert D. Scinto, Chairman of R.D. Scinto, a leader in Connecticut corporate real estate, will be announced as the Grand Parade Marshal of the Great Street Parade, which will take place on Sunday, June 30.
Royal Family scholarships also will be 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 will receive $2,500 scholarships, while the Prince and Princess will be given $1,500 scholarships.
Tomas Montilla of Bridgeport, a student at Bullard-Havens Technical High School will be serving as the King, and Mari Andrzejewski of Trumbull, a student at St. Joseph High School, will be 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.
Tickets for the luncheon are $75 per person. Proceeds help support the many family fun activities that have been planned throughout the region such as the Wing Ding Parade, the Barnum Skyblast Fireworks and the Great Street Parade.
Visit www./barnumfestival.com for more information or call 203-367-8495. Reservations are required by Friday, May 10.
The Barnum Festival is the annual salute to the life and achievements of P.T. Barnum –the legendary 19th century showman, entrepreneur and philanthropist, and former mayor of Bridgeport.
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 in June, “Barnum: An American Musical,” will be performed at the Fairfield Museum. This musical pays tribute and celebrates the life of P.T. Barnum. Javier Colon, a native of Stratford, stars in this production along with an amazing cast. Javier was the winner of the inaugural season of The Voice on NBC.
The opening night gala reception on Thursday, June 27 starts at 6:30 p.m. with dinner and a cocktail party, live and silent auction items, plus 8 p.m. show at $125 per person. Free performances will be held on Friday, June 28 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, June 29 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Seats are first come, first serve.
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.
M