Event Schedule For 2025
Please join us, for many other exciting events scheduled for 2025
2025 Ringmaster Gregory Gnandt
Gregory Gnandt Named 75th Ringmaster of the 2025
Barnum Festival, Continuing a Legacy of
Tradition and Community
Gregory J. Gnandt, 55, a philanthropist from Trumbull, fondly recalls how the Barnum Festival
had become and annual tradition for his family.
“We never missed a parade or the fireworks growing up,” he said. “My uncle would camp out and save seats for the family. It was always a part of our lives. I just always liked the community factor, family and friends, you always saw people you knew. It was always a happy, festive event --- just overall a great feeling.”
“We were always excited to see the schedule and who the ringmaster would be,” Gnandt continued. “Probably in the mid-90s, I remember discussing the Barnum Festival with a friend and how I always said how great it would be to be successful enough to be chosen as the Ringmaster.”
That dream has now become a reality. Gnandt, revived the annual car show fundraiser with his wife Peggi, into a much-anticipated annual event with concerts, food trucks, vendors and a carnival, at Z-Topia in the Stevenson section of Monroe, has been chosen to serve as ringmaster of the 2025 Barnum Festival.
He is the 75th Ringmaster in the festival’s 77th year. “It’s exciting. My family has a lot of history with the festival, being from Bridgeport,” said Gnandt, who grew up in Fairfield, Trumbull and Bridgeport.
He attended St. Ann Academy in Bridgeport before graduating from Trumbull High School as a member of the Class of ’87. Gnandt is a general contractor with his own business, Greg’s Carpentry, Building & Remodeling LLC, established in 1988. He and Peggi, his wife of eight years, both serve on the festival’s board of directors.
A life of service
Gnandt has spent a lifetime giving back to his community. “I’ve been working with charities most of my adult life,” he said. “Peggi and I are good organizers and people regularly invite us to assist with their tasks, and we do as much as we can. We always had the family values of helping others.” It was Gnandt who led the effort to establish the first memorial in the aftermath of the horrific Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting on December 14, 2012. “The night of the tragedy, I dreamt up this memorial,” he recalled. “There’s a three-dimensional star formed out of copper placed on the roof of the firehouse with the names of each child and teacher who lost their lives that day.” Twenty-six, five-point polished copper stars covered with a clear coat on display on the Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire Department roof were fabricated in Gnandt’s carpentry shop.
His cousin, Sandy Hook Fire Chief Anthony Capozziello, who was assistant fire chief at the time, had agreed to help Gnandt make the memorial a reality. Bill Halstead, who was the chief, had also supported the project.
“Someone on the news said, ‘there’s 26 new stars tonight,’” Gnandt recalled. “With help from the families and volunteers, we made it happen.”
Gnandt also joined others in organizing the Green Ribbon Ride, a motorcycle ride to honor the Sandy Hook families. It went through Shelton and Newtown before ending in Trumbull. “Well over 3,000 motorcycles were in the procession,” he recalled. “We did it as a one-time event. It was too emotional to continue. It was better as a one-time fundraiser and all of the proceeds went to the families, instead of towards funds.” Another fundraising effort close to the Gnandt’s’ hearts is the annual St. Vincent’s Swim Across the Sound. “We’ve done many years of fundraising for Swim Across the Sound,” he said, “Peggi, myself and other family members, create events that raise money for the organization.” Gnandt is a Free Mason and a Shriner of over 20 years with Pyramid Shriners in Stratford. “Every year the ringmaster picks a theme, or focus, and ours this year is going to be tradition and children’s charities,” he said, adding of the Shriners, “we have a children’s hospital. We sponsor and finance the burn units for children with deformities and orthopedics and prosthetics.”
Passing the torch
Over the course of his five years on the Barnum Festival’s board of directors, one of Gnandt’s biggest accomplishments was bringing back the car show after the COVID-19 pandemic. “We had a focus group meeting to reimagine the festival post Covid,” he said. “We decided to chair the car show and bring it back.” George Zwally, a longtime friend and business associate of Gnandt’s, offered to host the car show on his Z-Topia property, 1545 Monroe Turnpike in Monroe. The Barnum Car Show and Concert has shopping booths, food trucks and a beer and wine garden. “It’s gotten bigger and better every year,” Gnandt said. “It is definitely one of the flagship events of the festival.” Gnandt’s wife, Peggi, helps him organize the car show and the Jam at the Dam, a country music concert at the Monroe venue. She will be an asset when he serves as ringmaster. “She’s my secret weapon,” Gnandt said. “She’s so organized, imaginative and creative with her ideas.
” Frank Gennarini, who had the distinction of serving as Ringmaster of the Barnum Festival three times due to the pandemic, had asked the Gnandt’s to join the board of directors years ago. Sadly, he had become ill and passed away on June 22, but not before orchestrating the Barnum Golf Tournament to be held at Blackhawk Country Club in Stratford on Monday, Sept. 16 … and Gnandt’s nomination as the next Ringmaster. “He was an incredible mentor and friend,” Gnandt said of Gennarini. “He celebrated life every day, until the end. In your life you meet a lot of people. He was just one of the special ones, who came through.
” He remembers visiting Gennarini when he was on home hospice on one visit, Gennarini told Gnandt he wanted him to be the next Ringmaster and had put his name forward for consideration by the Nominating Committee. Gnandt said he was honored. “After that, I was asked into a meeting with other past Ringmasters to discuss the task and, basically make sure that I was ready,” Gnandt said of the role, which has ceremonial duties, along with promotion, organization and fundraising for the festival.
Gnandt’s parents did not live long enough to see their son become Ringmaster. “My parents loved the festival. They would be very proud and excited,” he said. “Everyone that does know is excited, supportive and interested in being involved in our year.” “I’m honored to receive this prestigious position,” Gnandt said. “Having worked with the festival for the past five years, my wife Peggi and I are ready for this coming year’s events. We have an exciting year planned. We’re going to continue the full schedule of traditional events, as well as add some new events to the schedule. See you as we keep the tradition alive in 2025.”
The Tradition is Still Alive in 2025.
MULLETT & BADBOY KICK-OFF THE WEEKEND!
- The 4th Annual Barnum Festival Car Show, Concert & Food Truck Festival
- 1545 Monroe Tpke, Monroe CT.
Friday May 30TH Gates Open
5:300PM-10:30PM
"CONCERT, & FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL"
*This is a Rain or Shine Event - Friday May 30th
Admission $20 with Children under 12 Free, there will be plenty of free parking & ATMS Situated throughout the grounds for your convenience.
Also available are VIP Tickets & Tables
$30 VIP Tickets
-Premiere Tables Available
for 10 guests $300
(Limited Tables Available)
*Please click on (LEARN MORE BUTTON) Below,
to be directed to -Frequently Asked Questions-
Scroll down to the VIP Section for more information.
Festivities begin at 6:30PM
To kick-off the evening:
"BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND", is "BADBOY",
bringing you High Energy Modern ROCK!
Following by, the much anticipated 80's Premiere Tribute Band " MULLETT" get ready for an AMAZING show!!!
There will also be a dozen Food Trucks to choose from, our popular Beer & Wine Garden-including a variety of high noon spirits.
*21 & over with valid ID.
*Cash Bar, with ATM Machines Available
In addition there will also be a variety of Vendors,
to shop through and a 50/50 Raffle!
All Proceeds Benefit The Barnum Festival.
Please join us,
We have a great weekend planned,
Fun for the whole Family!
"MULLETT 1S COMING-TO ROCK THE BARNUM FESTIVAL!
HAZZARD COUNTY & SOUTHERN FRIED
- The 4th Annual Barnum Festival Car Show, Concert & Food Truck Festival
- 1545 Monroe Tpke, Monroe CT.
SATURDAY May 31ST
Gates Open 5:00PM
5:00PM-10:30PM
"CONCERT, & FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL"
*This is a Rain or Shine Event -
SATURDAY EVENING May 31st
Admission $20 with Children under 12 Free, there will be plenty of Free parking & ATMS Situated throughout the grounds for your convenience.
We will also have several six passenger golf carts circulating, for anyone who needs assistance.
Festivities begin at 6:00PM
To kick-off the evening:
SOUTHERN FRIED, Joins Us
with Hot & Crispy Classic Rock, Blues and R&B
-If you haven't experienced Southern Fried,
You will be blown away by the talent, and
will be left wanting more!
Following by, the Amazing Band "HAZZARD COUNTY" get ready for an FOOT STOMPIN' SHOW!
These local favorites bring the party! Stop
There will also be a dozen Food Trucks to choose from, our popular Beer & Wine Garden-including a variety of high noon spirits. *21 & over with valid ID.
*Cash Bar, with ATM Machines Available
In addition there will also be a variety of Vendors,
to shop through and a 50/50 Raffle!
All Proceeds Benefit The Barnum Festival.
Please join us
We have a great weekend planned, Fun for the whole Family!
May 31ST-Mechanical Bull
SATURDAY May 31TH Gates Open 5PM
5:00PM-10:30PM
"CONCERT, & FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL"
Brings you
"Hazzard County & Southern Fried"
This Year, Saturday Only
will feature a mechanical bull
for YA'LL!
Tickets will be available
for purchase at our Ticket Booth.
*Age restrictions
For your child's safety,
Children 13 and under
not permitted.
*A Waiver must be signed for all riders.
BARNUM FESTIVAL CAR SHOW- MAY 31ST (9-4PM)
- Goody Bags to the First 300 Cars
- Dash Plaques to first 300 Cars Registered
- Early Car Registration 8AM to 12PM
- No Cut-off Date
- Motorcycles Welcome
- Registration Fee $20
- *Pre-Registration forms available click below
- Judging begins at 12PM, Followed by the Trophy Ceremony (Trophy ceremony begins 2:30PM)
- Rain Date June 1ST
- Cars/Motorcycles who register, are entering their Car or Motorcycle to be judged for the show.
*We do NOT accept cars being used, to sell Raffle Tickets or Merchandise from,
(Those do NOT QUALIFY) and will be denied.
This falls under a Vendor category, we offer low cost options for one or two days.
Please contact us via email for vendor forms, and any questions.
All proceeds Benefit The Barnum Festival.
Thank you
Welcome to our 4TH Annual Barnum Festival Car Show, Concert/Carnival & Food Truck Festival
"WHEELS-MEALS & DEALS"
Featuring The Areas Best Classic Cars,
Frank T. Gennarini
Best in Show Trophy
In Loving Memory
The Barnum Festival Car Show, presents the
Frank T. Gennarini "Best in Show Trophy" Frank was the former 72nd Ringmaster, serving the years 2020 through 2022, Frank has worn many hats throughout the years, including being the past President of the Barnum Festival Grand Marshal of the Great Street Parade, Chairman to the Barnum Museum, Volunteer of the Year, and many more. Frank is also the original Chairman to he Barnum Festival Car Show dating back to 2012.
We would like to honor Frank Gennarini, with the
Best in show Trophy category.
The Barnum Festival Car Show wouldn't be what it is without Frank, and wish to Honor his Memory.
Please join us for the
GREATEST CAR SHOW
on Earth!
Billy Greco #43
"Wild Bill"
We will have 2 Billy Greco racing cars on display at the Barnum Festival Car Show May 30th
Billy Greco #43
With two iconic cars that brought
"Wild Bill" to become a Racing Legend & Champion!
Billy (Wild Bill) Greco had a gas station in West Haven, CT along with his brother who repaired trucks. At nite they built racecars with other mechanics.
This 3 window coupe was one of many racecars they built from the 50's into the late 70's. This car was an asphalt modified. This meaning was that the car was built of many other 'Production vehicles' and not a custom built racecar. It's estimated that this car won over 100 races from 1965 to 1972 throughout New England's asphalt tracks.
The top photo above is owned by "Daytonadon Wells" he has been restoring the car and Vintage racing it, winning 1 pole and finishing in the top 1 a few times being on 7 more tracks than Mr Greco. Daytonadon's goal is to win a race In honor of Billy Greco!
The top photo is from the North Turn (old Daytona Speedway) which raced on the Daytona Beach & USA in Florida.
The second beauty still remains in the Greco Family, and will accompany Dales car, with a rare opportunity
to have both reunited once again!
I'm sure Billy Greco will be smiling down, as this is truly a match made in heaven.
Click on the link below for more information.
MAY 31ST, from 9am-4pm
"Connecticut Air & Space Center"
Come see the Connecticut Air & Space Center
helicopter "THE LOACH" from their museum collection which has a Long history of missions she flew dating back to Vietnam,
this is a proud piece of American History,
Thank you for your service!
Come see her on display, MAY 31st at the Barnum Festival car show, from 9am-4pm
Another Exciting addition coming to the show this year, from the Monroe Volunteer Fire Dept.
Bringing their Vintage, "1975 American LaFrance"
Fire Engine Truck!
- Giving out Stickers to the Kids!
- Fire Prevention Handouts.
- Fun for the Whole Family!
MAY 31ST, from 9am-4pm
Connecticut Cruise News "Get Your Bling On!"
- Connecticut Cruise News will be joining us again this year, and presenting their Best in Show Rings to the TOP 15 VEHICLES IN SHOW.
Please stop by their tent for a current copy of The Connecticut Cruise News, and check out all their awesome memorabilia for sale!
-Food Truck Festival-Come Hungry, Leave HAPPY!
May 30 & 31st-
Come enjoy a great selection of food trucks, from Brick Oven Pizza to Lobster Rolls, Yummy Desserts and everything in between!
- Food Truck Vendor Space Closed, please refer to our flyer for complete list.
- ATM's Located in the Beer & Wine Garden
- *Some Vendors will take Venmo & Credit Cards.
AAA Northeast: OK
- AAA Northeast will be joining us this year, providing information with their Automotive Memberships, and other programs exclusive to AAA.
- Stop by their tent for a Chance to "WIN" some great AAA Merchandise, including a 1 YEAR Membership!
TICKETS ON SALE SOON
-HEADLINER- MULLETT May 3Oth @8:30PM
BACK TO ROCK
THE BARNUM FESTIVAL
Get up close to see The Greatest 80's
ROCK TRIBUTE SHOW!
These guys ARE the 80's and bring "Nothin" but a good time, how can YOU resist"!
Show Begins at 8:30PM
Badboy May30th @6:45PM
BADBOY
Kicking off the evening for an Amazing Night of Music, with their High Energy Modern Rock!
https://youtu.be/Rst_Nk1grXc?si=1MmKbs2MZ3At_v3B
- Following the National Anthem By Sandy Quinonez.
SOUTHERN FRIED May 31st @6PM
THE BARNUM FESTIVAL
Welcomes
SOUTHERN FRIED
Kicking off, Saturday Night
Concert Night!
HOT & CRISPY ROCK, BLUES AND R&B
Don't miss -SOUTHERN FRIED- Folks,
these Gentleman are the real deal,
and extremely talented professional
musicians.
Make sure to get here early, they will
honestly blow you away!
Show Begins at 6PM
HAZZARD COUNTY May 31st @8:00PM
HazCo is Back!
@ THE BARNUM FESTIVAL
Welcoming back to the
Barnum Festival May 31st
HAZZARD COUNTY
These folks Bring the party
and after years of grinding out the same old tired pop rock anthems and some of Connecticut's most popular cover bands, they decided that it was time for a game – Changer.
They will surely change your mind about country music, not a night to miss!
Show Begins at 8:00PM
Come Meet 2025 Ringmaster Gregory Gnandt
Members of the New 2025
Royal Family, will be in attendance as well,
make sure to say hello!
- Click below for more information on the Barnum Festival, The 2025 Ringmaster, Royal Family & Future Events.
National Anthem May 31st @6PM
Special Guest, Sandy Quinonez
Singing our National Anthem
Sandy has a Beautiful & Soulful voice, and has donated her time singing the National Anthem throughout the Tri-State area, for many charitable events, fairs & festivals and is also a Community Champion Committee Member-for Make a Wish.
Sandy is also one of Bridgeports
finest, and is a well Respected Police Officer.
We are Grateful & Excited, Sandy will be joining us again this year!
National Anthem May 31ST @12PM
--Special Guest--
Sheila Fabrizio
Singing our National Anthem
Sheila Fabrizo is a well known professional singer within the Tri-State area.
Sheila has also performed for premier events and worked with well known names, and has performed at countless weddings, private/corporate events, concerts and night clubs.
We are honored to have Sheila join us again, in support of The Barnum Festival.
- Sheila takes stage @12PM
MAY 30TH & 31ST
VENDORS
Come shop through a variety of vendors that will be set up both Friday & Saturday. This area is reserved for Crafters, Artisans, Automobile memorabilia, Businesses highlighting their companies, Charities, etc.
- Both days may feature different vendors.
*All vendors must be paid in full, prior to start of event. Any vendor who has not completed a vendor form, and paid in full will not be able to vend
unless you are paid in full prior to event.
- For questions please contact us through email, for faster response. Thank you
BEER & WINE GARDEN
Beer & Wine Garden
Alcoholic Beverages Available to *Adults 21 & Over with Valid ID
*Cash Bar w/ATM Available
- Beer
- Wine
- Water
- Soda
- Variety of Mixed Hard Seltzers
RAFFLE ITEMS & 50/50
Both days will Feature a 50/50
with great Raffle items on Saturday!
- Large Screen Smart TV-Restaurant Gift Cards, Barnum Sails the Sounds Tickets, AAA -one year membership & Much More!
Stop by our RED-WHITE & BLUE Tent for a chance to win!
Emcee' JEFF HUNTER
May 31st
DJ JEFF HUNTER
DJ Jeff Hunter, originally from Brooklyn New York is a talented, DJ and MC playing all of your favorite music!
Currently resides in Fairfield CT,and entertains throughout Fairfield County & the tristate area.
Jeff will join us-
JUNE 1ST- keeping everyone updated throughout the day, with important announcements, and playing great music!
Trophy Ceremony
May 31st
Judging starts at 12PM, Trophy Ceramony will soon follow at 2:30PM
- 50-50 there after and raffle prize winners!
- Located on the main stage
Free Parking & Shuttle Service
May 30th & 31st
- Free Parking
- Handicapped Parking
- Motorcycle Parking
- Free Shuttle Carts to and from the parking area.
- Plenty of Clean Restrooms & Washing Stations provided by-
- GI Johns of Monroe, CT
Contact Us
*Our Food Trucks are all set, we are not accepting anymore food or beverage vendors. Thank you.
Barnum Festival Car Show:
1545 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe, Connecticut 06468, United States
Greg & Peggi Gnandt
