The Barnum Festival www.barnumfestival.com season officially kicked off with the winners of the annual “Tom Thumb & Lavinia Warren Contest.” Sebastian Machado, age 9, representing Our Lady of Assumption School of Fairfield and Nektaria Karagiannis, age 8, of Jane Ryan School of Trumbull will join the 2013 Ringmaster’s Royal Family and preside over all Festival events. The winners were selected by a panel of judges at the Bridgeport Holiday Inn.
“The contestants in this year’s Tom Thumb and Lavinia Warren contest were a joy to meet. I am looking forward to getting to know Sebastian and Nektaria and their families during the coming months. This year’s Festival is sure to be a lot of fun,” said 2013 Ringmaster John F. Stafstrom Jr.
Each year, the Barnum Festival asks public, private and parochial schools in the Greater Bridgeport area to nominate a boy and a girl from the ranks of third and fourth graders to represent their school in the Tom Thumb and Lavinia Warren contest. The contestants were interviewed by a panel of four judges who chose the winners based on their records of academic leadership, enthusiasm and social skills.
This year, the Festival received more than 40 applicants from Bridgeport, Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, Shelton, Milford, Stratford and Trumbull. “The Tom Thumb and Lavina Warren Competition is growing larger each year,” said Mike Repko Sr., chairperson. He added, “We make the event fun, keep the tradition alive, and celebrate the diversity of the region.”
Mary Repko, Chairperson, said “The excitement of the competition and among the children is contagious. We feel each child is a winner. They should be very proud of themselves–these are exceptional children.”
About The Barnum Festival
The Barnum Festival established in 1949 to celebrate the life and times of P.T. Barnum and to commemorate the history of Bridgeport. The Barnum Festival is dedicated to providing exciting family entertainment which enriches the community, embraces diversity and celebrates life. Events produced through the passion of our volunteers brings to the community The Jenny Lind Competition & Concert, Champions on Parade, The Wing Ding Parade for Children, The “Got Talent” Vocal Competition, a spectacular fireworks display at Seaside Park and The Great Street Parade. For more information, please visit www.barnumfestival.com or call 203-367-8495.
*** WOW, THERE’S EVEN RAINBOW COLORS COMING OUT OF THE RINGMASTERS HAT! *** wink ***
Wow, not only is the rainbow on the money but the POSTER is one of the nicest designs. Was it designed by students or a professional and are they for sale? I am certain the festival will be a great success.