Meet the 2016 Ringmaster

Jason A. Julian of Monroe, 46, principle of Julian Enterprises will be the 68th Ringmaster of the Barnum Festival. The P.T. Barnum Foundation Inc. Trustees and the Barnum Festival LLC Board of Directors made the announcement at an event held at People’s United Bank main office in downtown Bridgeport on Wednesday evening. People’s United Bank is a longtime Jumbo supporter of the Barnum Festival and is the sponsor of the Festival’s Annual Great Street Parade.

“I am thrilled and honored to lead the 68th edition of the Barnum Festival and continue the great tradition of my predecessor Ringmasters, including my father, in showcasing Bridgeport and the region,” said Julian. “I rode in the parade when my father (1981 Ringmaster Andrew Julian) was Ringmaster, I’ve volunteered at events, and served as a board member. The Festival brings the community together to celebrate our favorite son, P.T. Barnum by putting a smile on the faces of our spectators and visitors.”

Julian succeeds Fred Hall, vice president and general manager of the Bridgeport & Port Jefferson Steamboat Company as the Festival’s leader. Julian joined Julian Enterprises in 1992 and is responsible for overseeing the Julian Companies real estate acquisitions, dispositions, construction, development programs and its real estate operations.

In addition to his longtime association with the Barnum Festival as a participant, volunteer and Board member, he also belongs to many community, civic and professional organizations such as the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), Board of Directors of ICSC Fairfield County, member of Connecticut Chamber of Commerce, Bridgeport Regional Business Council Board of Directors, Bridgeport Economic Development Executive Board, and is an active board member and volunteer for St. Thomas Aquinas Church and School in Fairfield.

A resident of Monroe, Julian is married to Tammy Bernier Julian and they have two children, Madison, 10?? and Logan, 8.

P.T. Barnum Foundation President Robert Laska said, “Jason’s enthusiasm for the Festival and his active participation in Festival and community events makes him the perfect choice to lead this year’s Festival. I look forward to working with him during the coming year as we once again honor the legacy of P.T. Barnum.”

“Jason was a natural fit to take on the role of Ringmaster with his family ties to the Festival,” said Barnum Festival Board of Directors President Michael Niedermeier. “He brings a great deal of energy to the task of celebrating Barnum’s outsized personality – I know he’ll have a wonderful time taking on this role.”