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Show Up for Barnum's Birthday Bash

No reason to feel deflated once July 4 is over because the very next day, there's another blowout. This one is the 200th birthday bash for P.T. Barnum.   The Barnum Museum in Bridgeport is host and invites everyone to their shindig for Barnum, a famed showman, philanthropist and a Bridgeport Mayor. He originally hailed from Bethel, but, no matter, given his outsized life and personality, he cut a wide swath through many places, Bridgeport being probably the widest.Here's the scoop on the hoopla: Ellen Ferrigno will keep a steady stream of crafts underway while live band music by Tony Ferrigno keeps everyone hopping and balloon creations come to life.  An historic, hilarious stage show, at 1 p.m., "Barnum’s World of Wonder," featuring Joe Barney as P.T. Barnum, shows how Barnum's innovations changed the face of entertainment, not only in America, but internationally. Then, American Jenny Lind 2010 winner Jennifer Caraluzzi of Bethel CT, leads everyone in singing happy birthday while delicious birthday cake slices are handed out. Roving Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Circus Clowns keep the laughs coming.Mayor Bill Finch, Acting Police Chief Joseph Gaudett and Fire Chief Brian Rooney are on hand at 2 p.m.The Fire Department will have a fire truck for kids to climb on and the Bridgeport Public Library sends in their Bookmobile with books to share.Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo will bring some cute and interesting creatures while the Discovery Museum sets up a very popular activity station.

And for some, the event is free: Any child who also has their birthday on July 5 is invited to come for free with their “best friend,” and will receive a complimentary one year membership in the museum's Barnum’s Kids Club. Every Barnum’s Kids Club member gets free admission. Residents of Bridgeport will be free,  just bring your legal identification. Bring in three or more gently used books for the Read to Grow Program and get free admission. If you can't qualify for free admission, come any way! You'll be charged a very reasonable $4 or $5. The museum's party on Monday, July 5, takes place from noon to 3 p.m. with inside and outside activities, weather permitting. For more information, visit The Barnum Museum's website.

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