Jim Money of Fleet Bank Wins Name-The-Elephant Contest

Jim Money of Bridgeport, senior consumer relationship specialist of Fleet Bank in Westport, says the name “Spirit” just popped into his head when he learned about the Barnum Festival Name-The-Elephant Contest.

A long-time supporter of the Swim, he submitted the name just for fun. But what he thought was a lark, turned out to be the winning name for the Barnum Festival elephant mascot. The contest ran during March and April and drew more than 225 submissions. He also thought the name was appropriate since the Barnum Festival had recently won the Spirit of Connecticut Award from the State Department of Tourism.

“I was thinking of the spirit that the Barnum Festival creates every year,” Money said. “I just thought it fit the elephant. I never expected to win. I’m delighted.”

Money also likes mascots, having played Elroy the Elk for his local Elks Club. In addition, he’s played an Easter Bunny at an egg hunt. For submitting the winning name, Money receives a special Barnum package:

·        2 Tickets to Sky Blast

·        2 Tickets to Barnum Sails the Sound

·        Ride in the Parade with the Festival Elephant

·        Walk in the Wing Ding with the Elephant

·        Festival Memorabilia

·        A Swiss Army Watch

·        Appearance on the WICC John LaBarca Show

Marge Cunningham, Co-Chair of the contest with her husband, Mel, said it was a difficult decision, picking a winner. A committee of Barnum Festival volunteers received the names without knowing who had submitted them, then selected one they considered the best. Spirit was the clear favorite with “Wrinkles” finishing second. Some other names were Baby, Cosmo, Finnie, Horty, Jasper, Mister PT, Whistles, Suitcase and Sparkles.

“It wasn’t easy picking a winner,” Marge said. “We gave it a lot of consideration and came up with ‘Spirit.’ We’re delighted that we have a new elephant mascot and now it has a name – Spirit.

The Barnum Festival started in 1949 and is one of the largest festivals in New England. The Festival was awarded the 2003 Spirit of Connecticut winner by the State Tourism Board. For more information about Festival events, call 203-367-8495 or visit www.barnumfestival.com.

Jim Money – Senior Consumer Relationship Specialist Fleet Bank in Westport

Bridgeport lifetime

Spirit – from Festival Website where Berger was receiving an award for Spirit of Conn.

Around Festival seems looks for positive things kids can relate

Go hand in hand, the spirit of the festival

Participate in events – have done Djing and volunteered through Bpt. Elks

Marched as Elroy the Elk in heat of Wing Ding, and the Great Street Parade

Accompany Spirit on Parade, committed to Elroy Elk,

Ride with the Elephant

Look at the Elephant looks like Spirit to me

Increases visibility for the Festival

Like the idea of mascots

Sweat of wearing mascot myself

4.5 year old who has come to various Festival events

have been the Easter Bunny for the Egg Hunt

aspire to play the Elephant

BF at Special Olympics willing to do it

See myself in it after the parade