Hello, I am Daniel Gardella, the 2009 Tom Thumb. When I was chosen as Tom Thumb, I was in complete shock, but also happiness. I was a little nervous for the first event that I had done with the entire Royal Family because we didn’t have a lot of time to get to know each

Two years later and the foundations and principles of Barnum continue to play a role in my collegiate path. As a sophomore at Siena College in Loudonville, New York, the spirit of volunteerism and community outreach contribute to the basis of my holistic education. I am an active member of Siena’s Franciscan Center for Service

I’m currently a sophomore at Brown University studying Community Health and Education & Human Development - I hope on gaining more experience in the Public Health world before going to medical school! Although the Barnum Festival was a few years back for me, I still remember every event like it was yesterday, and I have to

Alanna had the wonderful experience at 10 years old of being the 2008 Lavinia Warren.  Since that time she has continued to volunteer every year at Barnum Festival events.  She has spent countless hours working at the Wing Ding, the Car Show, several dances and building floats for the Great Street Parade. In February of

Tom Thumb was a great experience for me. It taught me the fundamentals of public speaking, performance, charity, and many other values. It also was a ton of fun! Being in fourth grade and getting your own float in a parade and riding around in a convertible certainly were great things! I had no idea

I’m now a junior at Mount Holyoke College, double majoring in Art History and French.  I spent my last semester studying in Montpellier, France at l’Université Paul-Valéry.   I’m currently working on a thesis in antiquity and ancient Egyptian archaeology and I hope to join an archaeological dig in Egypt after graduation for a year as

Kylie is in her third year of Nursing at the University of Connecticut. After Barnum Ms. Angell went on to be Connecticut’s student youth senator in the national program USSYP. At UConn she is President of the Class of 2013, a representative on the Student Nurse Leadership Committee, and a Resident Assistant (RA). Ms. Angell

I have very fond memories of my experience with the Barnum Festival.  From the very first day at the Barnum Museum, for the choosing of Lavinia 2007, it was magical.  Touring the museum, making crafts, being entertained by Amazing Andy and meeting the fellow contestants are all wonderful memories.  But meeting Larry Miriam, the Ring

My experience with the Barnum Festival was one I will never forget. Through the Barnum Festival, I have made great friends with members of the Royal Family both before and after my own. I also earned an incredible internship where I attained invaluable knowledge about the business world. During my internship with People’s United Bank,