Ringling Bros. And Barnum & Bailey Celebrate Children Who Give Back

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Proudly Announces The Barnum Award Program

The Greatest Show On Earth® Celebrates Children Who Give Back to Their Community with Medals and Grants Totaling More Than $150,000

(Salisbury, MD) In conjunction with a two-year celebration of the 200th anniversary of P.T. Barnum’s birth, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® is pleased to announce the launch of The Barnum Award, which honors the spirit of the founder of The Greatest Show On Earth® and his inspirational contributions to society by identifying and celebrating children who give back to their own communities in creative, fun, and innovative ways. The Wicomico Youth & Civic Center is pleased to announce that Salisbury, MD is one of more than 75 cities throughout the United States selected to participate in the program. Nominations for children from Salisbury and the surrounding area can be made online at www.thebarnumaward.com. Nominations can be made now through March 19, 2010.

The Barnum Award program is designed to recognize and support children ages six to 14, who have created social good and enriched their local community through their own inventive and pioneering actions. Local Barnum Award recipients will be chosen by a panel of distinguished local luminaries. Nominees will be judged on the impact of their accomplishments, creativity and innovation, and their inspiration to others relating to their cause. Nominators are required to be over the age of 21, and must fill out a short online questionnaire about the child they feel is making a difference in the community.

Three award recipients will be chosen from the Salisbury area. The Gold Barnum Award Recipient will receive a medallion and a $1,000 grant, the Silver Barnum Award Recipient will receive a medallion and a $750 grant, and the Bronze Barnum Award Recipient will receive a medallion and a $500 grant. Grants are to be used to fund future community service endeavors. Additionally, all three award recipients will be honored at a pre-show award ceremony during the opening night performance of The Greatest Show On Earth® at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center on April 1, 2010. They and their families will also be invited to stay and enjoy the show.

For more information about The Barnum Award and how to nominate a child who is making a difference in our community, visit www.thebarnumaward.com. For show-related information regarding the April 1-4, 2010 performances of Ringling Bro. and Barnum & Bailey’s Illuscination at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center, please visit www.WicomicoCivicCenter.org or call 410-548-4911.