2024 Ringmaster

Dr. Camelia
Lawrence

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Camelia Lawrence as this year’s Barnum Festival Ringmaster!

Greetings folks,

Some 76 years ago, the Barnum Festival was started in the Greater Bridgeport area to honor the legacy of one of the world’s greatest showmen and marketing geniuses.  He was a businessman, politician and philanthropist, and yes, we are talking about PT Barnum.  And in  2024, some 134 years after his death, we will again honor his legacy.  It is part of our rich tradition.

As I send you blessings for the New Year, it is my hope that you will join us in 2024 for a whole lot of fun and impactful community work.

Why is the Barnum Festival important, you may ask?

It is important because the legacy of PT Barnum is part of who we are, it is our heritage and our history.  It is important because the festival aims to bring us together as a community, and it is about entertainment for young and old.  It is all important for local area business, as the festival bolsters the local economy.

And in tandem with bringing people together, our theme for the 2024 festival is “one big tent for all”, it is about inclusion, breaking down barriers and building bridges.  Our aim is to also support local area commerce, and recognize leaders within our communities who have made a difference. In addition, I am particularly pleased to announce that this year, we will be focusing on health inequity: access to health care, health screening, preventative medicine, vision screening, dental hygiene education and food insecurity through a collaborative community health fair and food distribution program at the Great Street Parade on June 30, 2024.

The 2024 Barnum Festival will have something for everyone.  Please mark your calendars for the signature events listed below and stay tuned for additional information in the new year about the 2024 Barnum Festival.  We are seeking volunteers to join our respective committees. If you are interested in supporting our efforts, please email my Chief Executive Aide, Mr. John Brannelly at JohnBrannellyJr@gmail.com. I look forward to your partnership in making the 2024 Barnum Festival a great success!

May your New Year be filled with joy and happiness, and I hope to see you at a number of our exciting events.

Sincerely,

Camelia Lawrence, MD, FACS

PT Barnum Festival Ringmaster 2024