The Barnum Festival Parade

The Barnum Festival began in 1948, as the city of Bridgeport was dealing with the catastrophic collapse of industries that had once been flourishing during the wartime economy. So with the unemployment rate through the roof and peoples spirits floundering, a select few individuals came together to create something to celebrate. Which is something we now celebrate every year with a series of events culminating with the Barnum Festival Parade and the Sky Blast Party!

This year was incredibly special for Jason and his entire family because his Uncle Armando Goncalves, had been named ringmaster of the 2011 Barnum Festival. For those of you who do not know this is an incredibly huge honor because not just anybody gets chosen. Armando would be joining the ranks of 61 men and 1 woman who have previously led the annual celebration and festivities.

Jay’s Uncle Armando arrived in Bridgeport with his family from Portugal in 1965, and among the many new and exciting things that were here for him in this new country the Barnum Parade was one of the first events to catch Armando’s eye and a mere 46 years later with a ton of hard work and long days and nights. Armando worked his way up to become the president of People's United Bank's southern Connecticut and New York divisions. This was not something that came easily and he worked hard for to get everything he has achieved including the title of Ringmaster. Jason and I, are so incredibly proud of Armando for this amazing honor that has been bestowed on him and after seeing him in action he did not disappoint as the Ringmaster. He was truly amazing and a sight to behold!

Armando is by far an example of how hard work and drive do in fact pay off. He worked long hours while simultaneously going to school and raising a family. Not an easy task by a long shot and where many would have looked at all of the obstacles in front of them and shy away; Armando took them all head on and his fortitude is what got him to become a very successful business man, and family man. Many people can take a lesson from this truly incredible man! Congratulations Armando!

So for the Barnum Parade Armando’s theme as the Ringmaster was “Cultures United” and as a theme it was amazing and he totally pulled it off! Check out some of the pictures from this years parade.

Jay’s Uncle Armando, Beautiful Aunt Nancy (who was totally rocking that hat!!), and his cousin Kevin

Doesn’t he make an awesome Ring Master!

The official signage

One of the cultural dancers

Bagpipers

Civil War Re-Enactors

One of the accordion players from the Portuguese Club

Nancy dancing with the Barnum Festival Royal Court

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This girl along with a little bit of help created this outfit!

Armando and Ronald McDonald

Les Diplomates drove to Bridgeport from Canada to take part in the Parade of Champions which took place Saturday night and to take part in the Barnum Festival Parade.

Another marching band known as the Brassmen all rocked out at the parade

Park City Pride also was amazing at both the Parade of Champions and at the Parade.

Jay’s Dad Archie and his Aunt Nancy

Jay’s Dad Archie and his Uncle Armando

Stay tuned for more pictures from the Sky Blast Party and of course the fireworks!!! More Pictures will be available to view on our facebook site facebook.com/jasonandmaggie in the next few days.