Barnum’s Birthday Bash

In Bridgeport

BRIDGEPORT — The Barnum Museum invites families and children of all ages to enjoy the annual Birthday Bash for P.T. Barnum – famed showman, philanthropist, and one of Bridgeport’s best-known citizens.

This year’s party is being held on Barnum’s birthday — Wednesday, July 5 — from 11 am to 2 pm at the museum, 820 Main Street in downtown Bridgeport.

The party will feature ongoing activities, crafts, clowns, face-painters, and of course a delicious birthday cake, donated by Luigi’s Italian Pastry Shop. This party will also have mystifying experiments from Bridgeport’s Discovery Museum, a show by Amazing Andy at 12:30 pm, and Jammie the Gentle Clown creating her artistic face painting.

Children may immerse themselves in a variety of arts projects, register to win tickets to an October performance of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus at Arena at Harbor Yard, and be entertained by Stardust Alley Clowns throughout the party.

Also on hand will be experts from Bridgeport Police Department, providing free and helpful ID cards and finger printing for all children. Bridgeport Free Shakespeare 2006 will also be at the party, talking about their July open rehearsals at the museum ending with dress rehearsal on July 15 and then performances of Cyrano De Bergerac at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo.

Mascots from the Sound Tigers and Bluefish will be on hand along with ball players signing autographs.  The Barnum Festival Ringmaster and Royal Family will also be on hand.

A discounted admission of $2 per adult and $1 per child will be in effect for this special day. As always, children under the age of 4 will be admitted free. For more information call Deb Rose at 203-331-1104, extension 102, or visit www.Barnum-Museum.org.