Gregory J. Gnandt, 55, a philanthropist and general contractor from Trumbull, has been chosen as the 2025 Barnum Festival ringmaster. Gnandt, who revived the festival’s car show fundraiser into a popular event with concerts, food trucks, and vendors at Z-Topia in Monroe, has a long history with the festival. Growing up in Bridgeport, Fairfield, and Trumbull, the Barnum Festival was a cherished family tradition for Gnandt, who always dreamed of being the ringmaster.

Gnandt’s life has been marked by community service, including organizing the first memorial after the Sandy Hook tragedy and the Green Ribbon Ride for the victims’ families. He’s also involved in fundraising for St. Vincent’s Swim Across the Sound and is a 20-year Free Mason and Shriner.

Serving on the Barnum Festival’s board of directors for five years, Gnandt helped bring back the car show post-COVID, now a flagship event. He will focus on tradition and children’s charities as the ringmaster, with support from his wife, Peggi. The couple has big plans for 2025, aiming to blend traditional events with new ones.

Gnandt expressed his gratitude, saying, “I’m honored to receive this prestigious position,” and looks forward to keeping the festival’s tradition alive in 2025.