The annual Great Street Parade kicked off at a new location down at North and Park Avenues.

Ringmaster Tom McCarthy says, "the change of venue puts new neighborhoods on the menu."

Thousands of community members enjoyed the spectacle of colorful floats, marching American veterans and powerhouse drum corps.

Event officials say the parade is one of several events of the Barnum Festival, an annual celebration in Bridgeport that honors the legacy of P.T. Barnum and celebrates the community of the City of Bridgeport.

"I'm so proud and excited to be with these guys who know how to bang the drums for great music, but also banging the drums for freedom and democracy in our great country," Sen. Richard Blumenthal said.

The Great Street Parade wrapped along Lincoln Boulevard.