A Millennial Meets Mr. Barnum – Nick D’Addario Helms Barnum Festival, Continuing Rich Family Tradition

From Doing It Local:

The Barnum Festival has named Nick D’Addario its 2027 Ringmaster, continuing a family tradition that stretches back six decades while putting a new generation of leadership at the center of next year’s celebration.

D’Addario becomes the fourth member of his family to serve as Ringmaster. His grandfather, F. Francis “Hi-Ho” D’Addario, was Ringmaster in 1967, followed by his cousin Mario D’Addario in 1995 and his uncle David D’Addario in 2000.

The honor also comes at a meaningful time for the family, as 2027 marks 100 years since D’Addario’s great-grandfather founded the family business in Bridgeport.

“For a century, this community has given our family the opportunity to build businesses, raise families and call this region home,” D’Addario said.

He said one lesson passed down through the generations is that “success creates responsibility.”

“If a community gives you the opportunity to succeed, you have a responsibility to give something back.”

D’Addario, an Easton selectman and fourth-generation leader of Hi-Ho Energy Services, has also spent years working with area nonprofits, including the Child & Family Guidance Center, Cardinal Shehan Center, The Klein Memorial Auditorium and the Barnum Festival.

“Community leadership begins by showing up,” he said. “Showing up when you’re needed, when your community faces a challenge, and when there’s a problem to solve.”

That idea will become the theme of the 2027 Barnum Festival: “A New Generation of Community Leadership.”

D’Addario will also become the festival’s first millennial Ringmaster.

“But eventually, that next generation has to step up,” he said. “I believe that moment is here now.”

He said the festival will honor those who helped build the region, celebrate those serving it today and encourage a new generation to get involved, while still keeping the spirit of P.T. Barnum at the heart of the celebration.

“Communities need traditions, they need celebrations, and sometimes they simply need a little joy,” D’Addario said.

And he closed his first remarks as 2027 Ringmaster with a promise for the year ahead:

“Let’s put a hell of a show on this year.