Town celebrates Barnum's 200th birthday

BETHEL, Conn. (AP) - The Connecticut town where P.T. Barnum grew up is creating a circus atmosphere this weekend as it celebrates the flamboyant showman's 200th birthday.

The town of Bethel has dozens of events and activities planned for both Saturday and Sunday in honor of its favorite son, who was born in town on July 5, 1810.

The key events are set for Sunday, when the Bethel Library will unveil a life-size statue of Barnum. The News-Times of Danbury reports there will also be a parade featuring floats, marching bands and scores of clowns.

On Saturday, Todd Zimmerman, who impersonates Barnum for the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus, was scheduled to give the same speech Barnum gave in Bethel in 1881 when he presented the town with a fountain.