Smiler from Barnum Museum . . .

Get ready for Bridgeport’s

Biggest Birthday Party in 200 Years!

Don’t miss P.T. Barnum’s Birthday

celebration on July 5th, 2010

The Barnum Museum wants everyone to enjoy the 200th annual Barnum’s Birthday Bash for P.T. Barnum, famed showman, philanthropist and one of Bridgeport’s best-known citizens. This party is being held on Barnum’s birthday, Monday, July 5th from noon to 3PM at the Barnum Museum, 820 Main Street in Bridgeport CT.

There are many free admission opportunities for this year’s party:

• Any child who also has their birthday on July 5th is invited to come for free with their “best friend,” and will receive a complimentary one year membership in Barnum’s Kids Club.

• Every Barnum’s Kids Club member

• Residents of Bridgeport will be free, simply bring your legal identification, proof of residency

• Any person who brings in 3 or more gently used books for the Read to Grow program

The party will feature on-going craft activities by Ellen Ferrigno, live band music by Tony Ferrigno and balloon creations. An historic, hilarious stage show will take place at 1 p.m., Barnum’s World of Wonder, produced by Center Ring Productions featuring Joe Barney as P.T. Barnum. The show educates and entertains while telling the story of how Barnum changed the face of entertainment, not only in America, but internationally.

After the performance, the American Jenny Lind 2010 winner, Jennifer Caraluzzi from Bethel CT will lead everyone in singing Happy Birthday and a delicious birthday cake, donated by Luigi’s Italian Pastry Shop, will be served.

The fabulous and famous Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Circus Clowns will provide roving entertainment during the party and children will be able to participate in fun activities both inside and outside of the museum. Everyone will be able to register to win prizes including a family 4-pack of tickets to one of the October 2010 performances of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents Zing Zang Zoom at Arena at Harbor Yard.

Bridgeport dignitaries will be present for the official ceremony at 2 p.m. including Mayor Bill Finch, Acting Police Chief, Joseph Gaudett and Fire Chief, Brian Rooney. The Fire Department will also have a fire truck for kids to climb on during part of the event .

The Barnum Festival will have three winning parade floats on display in front of the museum, along with Spirit, the festival mascot and some of this year’s Royal Family, led by Ringmaster Tom Santa. “BB” the Bluefish mascot will also be available to pose for pictures.

New York Life Insurance Company will again offer a popular, safe and secure child identification program. Parents will fill out a form for their children and will walk away with a one sheet print out and a number of wallet sized versions to use as needed with friends, family, babysitters and more. Protecting families is at the core of New York Life’s mission, so they are delighted to provide the service at no charge.

Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo will bring some cute and interesting creatures while the Discovery Museum will be hosting one of their always popular activity stations.

Celebrating the 200th birthday of Phineas Taylor Barnum, born July 5, 1810 in Bethel CT, during 2010 The Barnum Museum will chronicle the life and times of this extraordinary showman and the history of Bridgeport where Barnum served as Mayor. For a complete listing of anniversary year events celebrating this amazing – and sometimes outrageous – showman, civic leader and politician, visit www.barnum-museum.org. The original museum building, owned by the City of Bridgeport is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

What: Barnum’s Birthday Bash: A Celebration 200 Years in the Making

Where: The Barnum Museum, 820 Main Street, Bridgeport, CT 06604

When: Monday, July 5, noon to 3 p.m.

Who: Families and Children of All Ages

Cost: Free for all Barnum’s Kids Club members and residents of the City of Bridgeport who bring proper identification. Also free for any child with a July 5th birthday. A discounted admission of $5 per adult and $3 per child will be in effect for this special event. As always, children under the age of 4 will be admitted free.

For more information call Jaime Knoedler, at (203) 331-1104, ext. 102 and/or visit www.barnum-museum.org