‘Thrilled And A Bit Awed’ – Big Mac Is Back, Tom McCarthy Named Barnum Festival Ringmaster

As a freckle-faced kid, Tom McCarthy spent many years along Park Avenue waving to floats, high school bands and politicians. As an adult politician he spent many years waving back to the parade crowds; and now as a proud Bridgeporter he has been tapped Ringmaster of the Barnum Festival, named for the Park City’s most famous community contributor.

The City Council president during the Bill Finch mayoral years is among the most well-liked, and gregarious, city politicians. These days, after serving many years as a key leader in Bridgeport’s Labor Relations Office he has the same role for the town of Trumbull, and that brings suburban support for the festival into play.

Festival ringmasters call the shots for how the annual event is structured: the programs, events, parade route and disciples involved. Fundraising is also a key element.

In the old days when the deep-pocketed captains of industry financed the festival – its genesis rooted in uplifting community life after World War II – large crowds were the norm. Industry meltdowns, economic downturns and loss of major benefactors such as ex newspaper publisher Betty Pfriem, the first woman to lead the festival in 1986, took its toll.

So modern day ringmasters face challenges their early counterparts did not. McCarthy is a glass half full guy. His dad was a butcher by trade so he’s learned a thing or two about carving up parts to make the people happy.

McCarthy graduated from Notre Dame High School in 1992. He’s a member of the school’s Alumni Hall of Fame.

In politics McCarthy rose through the ranks the old-fashioned way, an eager law school graduate who volunteered on campaigns including Joe Ganim’s 1999 reelection during JG1. A disciple of then North End councilwoman Maureen Driscoll, McCarthy was a quick study in the ways of building political relationships and a voter base. He made himself available in other contests doing the grunt work associated with races. By 2001 he had a city position in Labor Relations and won a seat on the City Council, representing the North End 133rd District.

As council president, even-tempered and well-liked in a sea of diverse council personalities, McCarthy served as a bridge between the legislative body and mayor’s office to shepherd through city business.

For many years he was considered a top-tier candidate for higher office. If the timing was right he had the chops, contacts and appeal for higher office. He was on the short list for future mayors.

While not holding the keys to the mayor’s office, he now controls the accoutrements to the festival – the crack of the whip, the register of the whistle and the timing of the watch.

And a deep Rolodex, to boot.

From Mr. Barnum:

The Barnum Festival today announced that Tom McCarthy has been named Ringmaster of the 2026 Festival, one of the region’s most cherished community honors. A lifelong Bridgeport resident, McCarthy has deep ties to the Festival tradition, having grown up celebrating the Great Street Parade with his family on East Eaton Street.

“Every summer, the Barnum Festival was the highlight of our year,” McCarthy recalled. “On parade day our entire family, friends and neighbors would gather on our ‘corner’ to watch the floats, marching bands, dignitaries, and pageantry as they made their way down Park Avenue. To me, it defined what makes Bridgeport and the region so special: Community, camaraderie, and pride in the Park City.”

McCarthy said he was “thrilled and a bit awed” when approached by the nominating committee. “It’s a huge responsibility, but I am so excited to carry on this great tradition and take on the role held by so many men and women before me. My family is over-the-moon excited and we’re looking forward to celebrating with the entire Barnum Festival organization.”

Founded by several prominent business leaders to lift the community’s spirits after the end of World War II, the Festival celebrates its 78th year in 2026. Dedicated to the life and times of the city’s most famous resident, P.T. Barnum, the Festival focuses on building community, fostering philanthropy and celebrating the many diverse cultures of the city and the region through a series of events held throughout May and June in Shelton, Fairfield, Monroe, and culminating in the Great Street Parade celebration weekend in Bridgeport.

This is not McCarthy’s first time leading a major community celebration. In 2017, he was selected as Grand Marshal of the Greater Bridgeport St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Celebration, an honor that reflected his family’s deep Irish roots. McCarthy hinted that festivalgoers may see special touches of his Gaelic lineage in the 2026 Barnum Festival. “My Irish heritage is very important to me, and we are working on an Irish event to add to this year’s schedule.”

Beyond his festival involvement, McCarthy has built a distinguished record of public service and community leadership. For 17 years, he represented the 133rd district on the Bridgeport City Council, including a decade as Council President. A graduate of Notre Dame High School, he went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Fairfield University and his law degree from Case Western Reserve University’s School of Law.

Upon returning to Bridgeport, McCarthy served as Deputy Director of Labor Relations for the city, later moving on to become Director of Labor Relations for the City of New Haven. For the past five years, he has worked as Director of Human Resources and Labor Relations for the Town of Trumbull.

McCarthy has also dedicated countless volunteer hours to civic and cultural organizations. He has served on the boards of the Barnum Museum, the United Way of Coastal and Western Connecticut, and the Greater Bridgeport St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee. He is currently Treasurer of the Barnum Festival Board of Directors.

“I’m extremely proud of Bridgeport, my lifelong home,” McCarthy said. “I look forward to leading the 2026 Barnum Festival, shining a light on all that makes this city and the region great, and encouraging everyone to join in the celebration.”