Bridgeport's Barnum Festival Names 2027 Ringmaster

BRIDGEPORT, CT — The Barnum Festival has named Easton resident Nick D’Addario its 2027 Ringmaster, continuing a family connection to the Bridgeport festival that spans six decades.

D’Addario is the fourth member of his family to serve as Ringmaster. His grandfather, F. Frances “Hi-Ho” D’Addario, held the role in 1967; his cousin, Mario D’Addario, served in 1995; and his uncle, David D’Addario, served in 2000.

The Barnum Festival, now in its 79th year, was founded by Bridgeport business leaders in the years following World War II. It celebrates the life of Phineas T. Barnum, a prominent Bridgeport resident, through events held across the Greater Bridgeport area in May and June. The festival concludes with a finale weekend that includes fireworks over Long Island Sound and the Great Street Parade.

— Nick D’Addario, 2027 Ringmaster of the Barnum Festival. Photo credit: Barnum Festival

“Being named Ringmaster is a huge honor for me, given my family’s participation and heritage with the Festival,” D’Addario said. “My family and I are looking forward to celebrating the Festival’s rich history, creating joy, civic pride and fostering community throughout the Greater Bridgeport region.”

The theme of the 2027 Barnum Festival will be “A New Generation of Community Leadership.”

D’Addario was born in Bridgeport and raised in Fairfield. He is president of Hi-Ho Energy Services, the family business founded by his great-grandfather, Nicola D’Addario. The company is preparing to mark its 100th anniversary in 2027. His grandfather, F. Francis D’Addario, expanded the business.

D’Addario serves as an Easton selectman and previously served on the town’s Planning and Zoning Commission. He is chairman of the Board of Directors of the Child & Family Guidance Center and serves on the boards of the Barnum Festival and Cardinal Shehan Center. He is also a former chairman of the board of The Klein Memorial Auditorium.

D’Addario is a graduate of George Washington University and Vermont Law School. He lives in Easton with his wife, Caroline, and their son, Fritz.

More information about the festival is available at BarnumFestival.org and on Facebook at @BarnumFestival.